Lompoc Man Pleads Guilty in Traffic Collision that Killed Two Teens

Santa Barbara County District Attorney John T. Savrnoch announced Tuesday that Kyle Nelson, a 32-year-old resident of Lompoc, pled guilty to two Counts of Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated.

Around 4:00 a.m. on October 28, 2022, Nelson was driving his Ford C-Max southbound on Highway 1, just north of the Highway 101 interchange.

Nelson was under the influence of marijuana when he attempted to overtake slower traffic and wantonly veered into oncoming traffic, causing a head-on collision with a Chevy Malibu driving northbound.

Inside the Chevy Malibu were two 19-year-olds, Jenna Causby and Dorothy Guthrie, both from Lompoc. The women were pronounced dead on scene.

Both vehicles had caught fire and Nelson was seriously injured in the crash.

Double fatal traffic collision near Gaviota on October 28, 2022 (Photo: Mike Eliason / SBCFD)

“This is yet another tragic reminder of the dangers of being under the influence of any mind altering substance and getting behind the wheel of an automobile. This one reckless and careless act has ruined the lives of countless people in our community who loved and cared about Ms. Causby and Ms. Guthrie. Thank you California Highway Patrol personnel for a solid investigation and the Prosecution Team led by Senior Deputy Kevin Weichbrod, Michelle Mossembekker, and Lauren Franco for their work in seeking justice for these victims,” said District Attorney Savrnoch.

Sentencing is set for April 2, 2024, in Department 1 in front of the Honorable Jean Dandona. Based on his guilty pleas, Mr. Nelson will be sentenced to 12 years in State Prison.

October 28, 2022: Double Fatal Traffic Collision on Highway 1