DA charges suspect in fatal Santa Maria crash with murder

The Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office announced murder charges today against 25-year-old Santa Maria resident Cameron Oliver in connection with a fatal crash on Feb. 6.

The deadly collision killed 37-year-old Leann Stauffer and 37-year-old Tricia Jensen, who died a day later from injuries suffered in the crash.

Oliver is charged with two counts of murder, and a felony violation of driving with a Blood Alcohol Content greater than .08% causing bodily injury to Brian Freeborn, 38, of Santa Maria, the fourth person involved in the crash.

“Special allegations include a blood alcohol content exceeding .15% in violation of Vehicle Code section 23578; driving at least 30 mph in excess of the posted speed limit in violation of Vehicle Code section 23582; and having previously been convicted of a DUI offense in violation of Vehicle Code section 23540,” said the District Attorney’s Office in a statement.

In filing these additional charges District Attorney Dudley stated, “Driving under the influence of any intoxicating substance can cause death. When specific factual and legal circumstances are alleged to have occurred the driver will be charged with murder.”

Oliver is expected in Santa Maria court on Feb. 27.