MODESTO: Two Killed on Tuxford Lane After Car Crash into Home

Driver Fleeing Police Kills Two Inside Home in Modesto

MODESTO, Calif. (June 9, 2026) — A driver was arrested on DUI and murder charges after eluding police and crashing his car into a home on Tuxford Lane early Tuesday in Modesto, killing two people inside the home.

California Highway Patrol officers were reportedly pursuing the driver who was speeding around 1:20 a.m. on June 9th, but the motorist failed to stop, ran a red light and crashed into the Tuxford Lane residence, officials said.

The victims killed in the crash were not the homeowners but were visitors from out of state.

Meanwhile, the driver of the vehicle and his passenger suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Police arrested the driver, identified as Zacharia James Knobel, 20, and he was booked into the Stanislaus County Jail.

Charges filed include two counts of felony DUI, two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of vehicular manslaughter, evading officers, and driving on a suspended license, authorities said.

Detectives working on the case closed down the area around Robin Hood Drive and Tuxford Lane for several hours. A major crash reconstruction is underway on the scene, the CHP said.

Modesto police also are reviewing surveillance footage of the pursuit.

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When it matters most, trust Attorney James Johnson at Johnson Attorneys Group. We are a personal injury law firm serving clients who have been injured throughout California due to negligent motorists. If you were hurt in this collision, call 1-(800) 208-3538. We will request the police report, and the attorney will discuss your options. You are under no obligation to hire us, and there is no cost unless we win your case. Our personal injury law firm is a proud, longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).