A Silicon Valley software developer and startup founder has been charged with murder after investigators alleged he drove his Tesla at more than 140mph before ploughing into stopped traffic on a California highway. The resulting fiery crash killed a mother and her young daughter, prompting prosecutors to pursue a murder charge rather than a lesser driving offence, reflecting the severity of the alleged speed and disregard for other road users.

The crash happened in San Jose, with investigators reportedly clocking the Tesla at around 142mph shortly before impact. The victims, a mother and her young daughter travelling in another vehicle, died at the scene, while the developer now faces the significantly more serious charge of murder rather than standard vehicular manslaughter.