District Attorney Charges Alleged DUI Driver with Murder in Fatal SR-246 Crash

The Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office has filed murder charges against the alleged DUI driver in a fatal SR-246 car crash that killed one person last week.

District Attorney John Savrnoch announced 46-year-old Jesus Moises Martinez Chavira of North Hills is charged with one felony count of murder for the Buellton-area collision that occurred on September 5, 2025. It is further alleged that Martinez Chavira drove under the influence of alcohol causing one death and injury to another victim.

At 6:54 p.m., Santa Barbara County firefighters and California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to a collision on East Highway 246 at Dominguez Road.

Crews discovered a collision between two vehicles with multiple injuries. CHP states preliminary investigation by the responding officers determined that a 2012 Tesla Model S entered the intersection of Domingos Road and was struck by a Ford F-150 truck, traveling westbound.

The driver of the Ford F-150, identified as George Scarfe, age 57 of Lompoc, was transported via ground ambulance with minor injuries to Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital.

The passenger of the Tesla sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Their identity has not been released.

The driver of the Tesla was identified as Martinez Chavira. He was transported via ground ambulance with major injuries to Marian Regional Medical Center.

CHP stated that Martinez Chavira was determined to have been driving while under the influence of alcohol and was arrested.

“We grieve with the families affected by this tragic incident,” said CHP Buellton Area Commander Lieutenant Jason Bronson. “Right now, our officers are working to ensure a comprehensive investigation is completed, and all appropriate criminal charges are explored.”

Martinez Chavira was arraigned Tuesday in Santa Maria Superior Court Department 9 and bail was set at $2 million. California Highway Patrol is investigating the case and Senior Deputy District Attorney Madison Whitmore and Deputy District Attorney Ryan Clausen are leading the prosecution team.

The preliminary hearing is scheduled for December 1, 2025 in Department 7 at the Santa Maria Superior Court.