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Driver was going over 140 mph before double-fatal San Jose crash
NBC Bay Area • • nation
Key Points:
- Zachary Chernicky, 31, was arrested and charged with two counts of murder following a deadly crash on December 2, 2025, that killed 30-year-old Ivana Balistreri and her 2-year-old daughter Lilliana on Highway 87 in San Jose.
- Chernicky was driving a Tesla at speeds exceeding 140 mph moments before the crash, hitting the back of a stopped Lexus carrying the victims, causing all involved vehicles to burst into flames.
- Both Ivana and Lilliana died from the fire, while Chernicky sustained minor injuries.
- District Attorney Jeff Rosen equated Chernicky’s reckless speeding to shooting into a crowd, emphasizing the severity of the crime.
- Chernicky was arraigned, held without bail, and is scheduled to appear in court on August 25.
