DA charges Santa Paula man with double murder in Oxnard DUI crash
David Mora, 29, of Santa Paula, was charged with two counts of second-degree murder and DUI for the Sept. 25 crash that killed Tranquilino Carbrizal Ortiz and Jose Luis Martinez Perez on Victoria Avenue.
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced that David Mora, 29, of Santa Paula, has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder and DUI charges for the double-fatal traffic crash that killed Tranquilino Carbrizal Ortiz and Jose Luis Martinez Perez.
The crash. On Sept. 25, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., Mora is accused of driving under the influence of alcohol while heading northbound on Victoria Avenue in Oxnard. At the Doris Avenue intersection, Mora allegedly ran a red light going over 100 mph, striking two other vehicles and killing both drivers. The crash ultimately involved eight vehicles, according to the district attorney's Oct. 7 news release.
The charges. Mora is charged with two counts of second-degree murder and DUI charges: DUI of alcoholic beverage causing injury and driving with a .08% blood alcohol causing injury. 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 the commission of a felony, and drunk driving priors.
First court appearance. Mora made his first court appearance on Oct. 6, 2026, and pled not guilty to all charges.
The victims. The two men killed in the crash were Tranquilino Carbrizal Ortiz and Jose Luis Martinez Perez.
DA statement. 'This was a horrific and entirely preventable crash that claimed two lives and left others injured,' said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. '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.'
Prosecutor. Deputy District Attorney Erin Weilbacher, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney's Office DUI Unit, is prosecuting the case.
On dangerous driving. 'Speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs each represent a serious threat to every single person on the road,' Weilbacher said. 'The decision made by one person to drink and drive on September 25th, has tragically resulted in the loss of life to two members of our community, others injured, and many families have had their lives irrevocably changed.'
Bail and next court date. Mora is scheduled to return to court for an early disposition conference on Oct. 15, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 13 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He remains in custody with bail set at $5 million.
Sources
- Ventura County District Attorney news release 26-141, Oct. 7, 2026 (district attorney news release)Oct 7, 2026
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