Startup Founder Charged with Murder in Fatal Tesla Crash Allegedly Complained of Scraped Knee

A startup founder is facing murder charges after allegedly driving his Tesla at speeds between 100 and 142 mph, causing a crash that killed a mother and her toddler on a California highway. Zachary Chernicky, 31, is accused of striking the Lexus carrying Ivana Balistreri, 29, and her daughter Lilliana on December 2, 2025, on Highway 87 in San Jose. According to court documents filed by prosecutors, Chernicky did not attempt to help the victims, who became trapped and died in a fiery blaze.

Ivana Balistreri's fiancé, Zack Martins, was also in the vehicle and survived the crash with injuries. He reportedly attempted to rescue them. Prosecutors stated that Chernicky's vehicle "turned his car into a literal bomb" upon impact. Horrific images from the scene showed the two cars charred and a third vehicle destroyed. A pink child's sneaker was also found on the roadway.

Following the collision, Chernicky allegedly left the scene and later purchased a new Tesla, which he showcased on social media. He was arrested in July after a months-long investigation and charged with two counts of murder. He has pleaded not guilty and remains in jail.

A motion opposing Chernicky's pre-trial release was filed by Santa Clara County Deputy District Attorney Marisa McKeown, who cited his actions before and after the crash as indicators of his ongoing dangerousness. "His actions before and after the crash are critical in understanding his ongoing dangerousness to the public," McKeown stated.

During an August hearing, Balistreri's family expressed their grief and urged the court to keep Chernicky incarcerated. "I miss my best friend. I miss my niece. But we need everyone to come out to show our support for them, so we can keep this guy in jail, so he's not doing this to anybody else's family," said Rosie Balistreri, a family member. Martins described the loss, saying, "I lost everything. You know, they were my everything."

Lilliana was nearing her second birthday at the time of the crash. Balistreri and her daughters were described as being from a close-knit Italian family. A funeral service for Ivana and Lilliana was held on January 17 at Santa Teresa Catholic Church.

Chernicky is reportedly the founder of a software company for DJs. He launched his firm, Chernicky Ventres LLC, three months after the fatal accident. He had previously worked as a technical support engineer in Silicon Valley. His defense attorney is expected to argue for his release on bail, with a plea hearing scheduled for November 17.