Driver Blamed For Firery Fatal Crash On 101 Near Ventura Pleads Guilty

Wednesday January 15, 2025

(Photo courtesy CHP Ventura)

   Updated--The driver authorities blamed for a fiery fatal chain reaction crash on the Northbound 101 northwest of Ventura in May of last year has changed his plea to guilty.

     30-year-old Cody Zornes of Lancaster was in court Wednesday and pleaded guilty to one felony county of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence.

     He also admitted a special allegation that it was a serious felony.

     Meanwhile three misdemeanors of reckless driving with bodily injury will be dismissed at sentencing as part of the plea agreement.

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

     The authorities alleged 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 pending sentencing on February 20th.