Silicon Valley developer accused of murder after investigators say Tesla reached 142 mph before fatal crash

A Silicon Valley software developer and startup founder has been charged with murder after prosecutors say he drove his Tesla at more than 140 mph before plowing into stopped traffic on a California highway, triggering a fiery crash that killed a mother and her young daughter.

Zachary Chernicky, 31, has been arrested and charged with two counts of murder in connection with the Dec. 2, 2025, crash in San Jose, California.

The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office alleges data...