Driver Blamed For Fatal 101 Crash Has Trial Date Set

Monday September 02, 2024

(Photo courtesy CHP Ventura)

   Updated--The driver authorities blame for a fiery fatal chain reaction crash on the Northbound 101 northwest of Ventura in May of last year has had his trial date set for late September.

     30-year-old Cody Zornes of Lancaster was in court Thursday and pleaded not guilty to one felony and three misdemeanor charges.

     They include felony vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and three misdemeanors of reckless driving with bodily injury.

     The crash happened around 9:25 AM Monday May 15, 2023.

     The authorities allege that Zornes was traveling in a Ford F-550 pickup northbound on the 101 in the left lane at a speeds greater than 65 miles an hour when he rear ended a Toyota Tacoma pickup driven by 50-year-old Jose Zarate of Ventura.

     The CHP says that started a chain reaction crash that involved three other vehicles.

      Zarate's vehicle burst into flames and he was trapped inside.

      He died at the scene.

      Meanwhile Zornes and the other drivers either suffered minor or no injuries.

      The CHP says alcohol and drugs were NOT a factor in the crash.

     Zornes remains free on bail with his trial date set for September 26th.