Felony murder and DUI charges filed in September 5 crash on Highway 246

By Caleb Nguyen

September 16, 2025 5:30 pm

Published September 16, 2025 5:33 pm

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEY-T) – Santa Barbara County District Attorney John Savrnoch announced DUI and felony murder charges against Jesus Moises Martinez Chavira for his role in a fatal September 5 crash.

The 46-year-old drove under the influence of alcohol after a crash on Highway 246 on the date above, and his bail is set at $2 million, according to the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office.

The California Highway Patrol is investigating the case, and a preliminary hearing is set for Dec. 1 later this year, according to the SBCDAO.

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Caleb Nguyen

Caleb is a Digital Content Producer and Weekend Sports Anchor for News Channel 3-12. For more about Caleb, click here.

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