101 South Accident Today: Wrong-Way DUI Driver in Fatal Highway 101 Santa Maria Crash Faces Murder Charge
101 South Accident Today: Wrong-Way DUI Driver in Fatal Highway 101 Santa Maria Crash Faces Murder Charge: A wrong-way driver involved in a fatal crash earlier this month on Highway 101 in Santa Maria has been charged with murder in Santa Barbara County Superior Court. Kendra Cordova, 34, was allegedly under the influence of alcohol when her vehicle collided head-on with a Mazda CX-9, resulting in the death of Alma Teresa Alcorta Del Lazaro, 53, and serious injuries to her husband, Cecilio L. Camacho, 63.
The incident occurred around 5:25 a.m. on September 8, shortly after witnesses reported a wrong-way driver on the highway. Firefighters had to extricate Camacho from the wreckage of his truck, which ended up on the center divider.
Initially arrested for vehicular manslaughter and DUI, Cordova was released after posting bail. However, further investigation revealed that she had worked a shift as a bartender the night before the crash, where she consumed multiple drinks, including vodka and champagne. Surveillance footage showed her drinking throughout the night, raising concerns about her decision to drive.
Witnesses reported seeing Cordova driving erratically, with one claiming she was speeding at 90 mph. Her blood alcohol content was later measured at 0.26%, more than three times the legal limit. Cordova now faces multiple charges, including felony DUI and special allegations, as authorities determined her actions reflected “implied malice murder.”
The family of Alcorta Del Lazaro has set up a GoFundMe account to assist with funeral expenses, which has raised over $11,800 as of Tuesday.