Meridian Veteran Loses Truck in Murder Probe, Forced to Shut Down Business

Matthew Gatlin says his life has been upended after his truck was seized as evidence in a deadly road rage shooting case.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Matthew Gatlin, a U.S. Navy veteran and general contractor in Meridian, Idaho, says his life has been turned upside down after the truck he loaned to a former employee became part of a murder investigation. The former employee, Jacob Streat, is now charged with second-degree murder in connection with a deadly road rage shooting. Gatlin's truck was seized as evidence, and more than six weeks later, he says the vehicle has not been returned, forcing him to shut down his contracting business while also undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges individuals can face when their property becomes entangled in a criminal investigation, even when they are not directly involved. Gatlin's situation underscores the potential ripple effects on small business owners and the need for clear policies around the timely return of seized property when it is no longer needed as evidence.

The details

Gatlin says he loaned his 2023 Toyota Tundra to Streat on January 25 so the former employee could move furniture. Later that day, Gatlin received a call from Meridian police informing him that Streat had been detained for murder in connection with a deadly road rage shooting. Police impounded Gatlin's truck as part of the investigation. Despite being told the truck would be returned in a few days, Gatlin says it has been over six weeks and the vehicle has not been released, forcing him to shut down his contracting business and rely on family and rideshare services while also undergoing cancer treatment.

  • On January 25, Gatlin loaned his truck to his former employee, Jacob Streat.
  • Later on January 25, Gatlin received a call from Meridian police informing him that Streat had been detained for murder.
  • More than six weeks have passed since Gatlin's truck was impounded as evidence.

The players

Matthew Gatlin

A U.S. Navy veteran and general contractor who lives in Meridian, Idaho.

Jacob Streat

Gatlin's former employee who is now charged with second-degree murder in connection with a deadly road rage shooting.

Detective Rackley

A Meridian Police Department detective who called Gatlin to inform him that Streat had been detained for murder.

Anthony Geddes

The Chief Public Defender for the Idaho State Public Defender's Office, which is reviewing the evidence in the case before deciding whether to release Gatlin's truck.

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What they’re saying

“I answer it, and he says, 'This is Detective Rackley with the Meridian Police Department, your former employee has been detained for murder.'”

— Matthew Gatlin (kivitv.com)

“We are ethically obligated to protect the best interests of our client. With that in mind, we cannot agree to the release of the truck until we've reviewed all the discovery. Once we've had the opportunity to do that, we will be in a better position to make an informed decision regarding whether or not it has evidentiary value related to our client's case.”

— Anthony Geddes, Chief Public Defender, Idaho State Public Defender's Office (kivitv.com)

What’s next

Streat is expected to appear in court on March 23, and the Idaho State Public Defender's Office has indicated it will review the evidence before deciding whether to release Gatlin's truck.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges individuals can face when their property becomes entangled in a criminal investigation, even when they are not directly involved. It underscores the need for clear policies and timely resolution around the return of seized property to avoid undue hardship on innocent parties.