Driver charged with murder for Oxnard 8-car crash that killed 2, injured 4 others

Police arrested a driver who allegedly caused a violent eight-car crash in Oxnard last week that left two people dead and four others with injuries. 

The crash happened on September 25 at around 3:55 p.m. at the intersection of Victoria Avenue and Doris Avenue, a news release from Oxnard Police Department officials said. Upon arrival, authorities found eight cars involved in the crash, four of which had "major damage."

Police said that two of the cars, a 1998 Toyota Avalon and a 2005 Honda Civic, had drivers trapped inside. Despite rescue attempts, both were pronounced dead at the scene. They have since been identified as Oxnard residents Tranquilino Carbrizal Ortiz, 31, and Jose Luis Martinez Perez, 58. Four others were hospitalized with injuries of varying severity, police said.

Oxnard PD traffic detectives said that the driver of a 2018 GMC Sierra pickup truck ran a red light at Doris Avenue, where he collided with the Honda and Toyota, both of which were heading westbound through the intersection. 

The driver of the pickup truck, 29-year-old Santa Paula resident David Mora, was arrested at around 8 p.m. on Friday night after he turned himself in at the Oxnard Police Department. 

Mora was booked for vehicular homicide, police said. 

On October 7, the Ventura County District Attorney's Office announced that Mora was charged with two counts of second-degree murder and DUI charges for the crash. He also faces several special allegations related to the crash, including causing bodily injury or death to more than one victim, great bodily injury in commission of a felony and drunk driving priors.

During a court appearance on Tuesday, the DA's Office said that Mora pleaded not guilty to all charges. 

"This was a horrific and entirely preventable crash that claimed two lives and left others injured," said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko in a statement. "Driving under the influence is a deadly choice, and when that choice results in the loss of innocent lives, our office will pursue the strongest charges supported by the evidence."

Mora is due back in court on October 15 and remains in custody in lieu of $5 million bail.

As their investigation continues, Oxnard PD asked anyone with more information to contact Traffic Investigator Joseph Clark at 805-385-7750.