Witnesses sought in highway crash that killed two children

California Highway Patrol is asking for any person who may have witnessed excessive speeding or reckless behavior by a driver involved in a fatal crash that left two children dead in early September.

On September 5, 2016, a 2008 red Toyota Camry driven by Jerald Holman, 36, was traveling westbound on California State Route 166, west of Canyon Road.

Holman’s vehicle swerved into oncoming traffic and into the path of a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox occupied by Aaron and Kathrine Pyne and their two children. The two vehicles collided and Holman’s Camry overturned several times.

Aaron and Katherine Pyne suffered moderate and minor injuries. Their two children both suffered ankle fractures.

Holman’s two step-children, a 7-year-old boy and his 4-year-old sister, were ejected from the Camry and pronounced dead at the scene.

Holman and another passenger of the Camry, Todeshia Lewis, were taken to the hospital.

In total, five people were taken to the hospital from both vehicles.

Holman was arrested after his release from Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital on possible felony DUI charge.

Weeks later, District Attorney Dan Down announced a number of charges leveled against Holman, including Gross Vehicular Manslaughter while Intoxicated and Second Degree Murder.

If you have any information regarding wreckless driving or any other details regarding this collision, please call the California Highway Patrol, Santa Maria Area, at (805)349-8728.