Pinon Hills, California (January 23, 2026) — A Friday night crash at a busy High Desert intersection turned deadly when a suspected drunk driver crossed into oncoming traffic, killing Karla D. Jett, 65, of Pinon Hills and injuring two others, according to the California Highway Patrol. The multi-vehicle collision occurred on State Route 138 at Mountain Road and has resulted in felony DUI and murder charges against the alleged at-fault driver.
Incident Details: The collision occurred at approximately 8:19 p.m. in an unincorporated area of San Bernardino County. According to CHP investigators, a silver Toyota Camry traveling eastbound on SR-138 veered into the westbound left-turn lane at Mountain Road. The Camry then collided head-on with a white Kia Forte driven by Karla Jett.
The force of the impact pushed Jett’s Kia into the westbound lanes of SR-138, where a black Lexus RX350 struck it a second time. Emergency responders from CHP, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, and County Fire arrived quickly, but Jett was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Lexus and her passenger sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were treated by emergency personnel. Authorities confirmed that alcohol is suspected to have played a role in the crash.
The driver of the Toyota Camry was identified through booking records as Francisco Jeremias Massac, a 26-year-old man from Fontana.
According to CHP and public booking records, Massac was arrested at the scene and booked into the High Desert Detention Center. He is facing multiple serious charges, including murder, felony DUI causing bodily injury, and driving on a suspended license related to prior DUI offenses. He is currently being held without bail and is scheduled to appear in Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court on February 2, 2026.
Investigation: The California Highway Patrol Victorville Office investigates the crash, focusing on driver intoxication, speed, lane position, and decision-making before impact. They will review toxicology, vehicle data, and physical evidence like skid marks, debris, and vehicle positions to determine how and why the Camry crossed into opposing traffic and the sequence of impacts.
As it involved multiple vehicles and a head-on collision at a known intersection, they might also evaluate roadway design, lighting, and traffic controls. Witness statements and any available surveillance or dash camera footage could further clarify the Camry’s path of travel before the initial collision.
The investigation remains active, and CHP has encouraged anyone with information to contact Officer C. De Santiago at the Victorville Area Office.
Legal Considerations: Under California law, DUI-related fatalities can support a murder charge when prosecutors believe the driver acted with conscious disregard for human life. These cases often hinge on factors such as prior DUI history, license status, and the severity of the conduct involved. From a civil perspective, accidents involving suspected intoxicated drivers often lead to wrongful death lawsuits.
For Karla Jett’s family, a wrongful death claim might cover funeral costs, loss of companionship, and the emotional and financial impacts of losing a loved one due to a preventable incident. While the criminal case aims at punishment, civil cases are typically the only way for families to pursue accountability and financial support after an unexpected death.
I offer my heartfelt condolences to Karla D. Jett’s family and friends during their time of mourning for this tragic loss.
Source: VVNG.com