A motorist was ordered Monday to stand trial for murder in the death of a Navy Seal who was struck on his motorcycle and run over in Chula Vista in what was described as a “road rage” incident.
Following two days of testimony, Chula Vista Superior Court Judge Ana Espana set a Jan. 12 trial date for Darla Renee Jackson, 25, of Imperial Beach, who is accused of killing Zacharias Edward Buob, 39, on May 28.
Witnesses testified Nov. 19 and 20 in a preliminary hearing and Espana ruled on Monday after hearing arguments by attorneys and reviewing crime scene photos and exhibits.
Some witnesses said there were traffic altercations between Jackson and Buob which started on Interstate 5 and went into state Route 54 in Chula Vista. Buob kicked Jackson’s Nissan Altima and witnesses said she began pushing or chasing him.
California Highway Patrol officer Scott Parent testified that when Jackson struck Buob’s motorcycle, the car’s bumper and front tires rose upward and the radiator curved in a way that linked both vehicles together.
“They were traveling as one unit (briefly),” said Parent. “As a unit, they traveled 317 feet before the motorcycle separated.”
“Ms. Jackson was traveling at a high rate of speed while following too closely (to the motorcycle),” said Parent.
Parent said Buob fell off the motorcycle and “the Nissan ran over Mr. Buob, narrowly missing the motorcycle.” Parent said the car’s computer indicated she had driven 93 m.p.h at one point, but she decreased her speed shortly before the crash.
CHP officer Brad Clinkscales testified he interviewed Jackson afterwards and she said she chased after Buob to get some information about him because he kicked her car.
“I think she said she didn’t do anything to hurt him,” said Clinkscales who added that she was hysterical at the end of the interview.
Jackson stomped her feet and hit her head during part of the interview, said Clinkscales. She suffers from panic attacks, Jackson told him.
Many in the courtroom wore T-shirts that said “I ride in memory of Zach Buob.” Buob joined the Navy in 1995 and was a Navy SEAL, according to his obituary. He was also trained as a chief special warfare boat operator and crewman at Coronado.
Murder is the only charge Jackson faces and she pleaded not guilty at the end of the hearing. She remains in the Las Colinas Women’s Detention Facility on $1 million bail.
