What Really Happened In Sherburne, New York? Arrest Sheds Light On Fatal Holiday Crash

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office has announced an arrest following a long investigation into a deadly crash that happened last summer in the Town of Sherburne.

Crash Date and Lengthy Investigation Timeline

The crash occurred on July 4, 2025, and investigators say it took months of work to reach this point in the case.

Syracuse Man Arrested and Held Pending Arraignment

Authorities say Zackery M. Kulas, 37, of Syracuse, has been arrested in connection with the incident. He is currently being held at the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office while he waits for arraignment.

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Details of the Fatal Crash and Victim’s Identity

According to investigators, Kulas was driving eastbound on State Highway 80 in Sherburne during the evening hours of July 4 when his vehicle struck a pedestrian. The victim has been identified as 59-year-old Jeffery Maxson of Sherburne. Officials say Maxson was walking westbound along the highway at the time of the crash.

Felony Charges Announced Against Kulas

Kulas is facing several felony charges, including:

• Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class C felony
• Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Motor Vehicle Accident, a Class D felony
• Tampering with Physical Evidence, a Class E felony

Investigation Led to Charges After DA Consultation

Authorities say these charges are the result of findings made during the investigation and in consultation with the Chenango County District Attorney’s Office.

Multi-Agency Teamwork Credited for Solving Case

Sheriff Ernest Cutting thanked several law enforcement agencies for helping with the case, including the New York State Police, the Syracuse Police Department, and the City of Norwich Police Department. Officials say cooperation between agencies played a key role in completing the investigation.

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Accusations, Presumption of Innocence, and Upcoming Court Proceedings

As with all criminal cases, authorities stress that the charges announced are accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The case will now move forward through the court system as Kulas appears for arraignment and future hearings are scheduled.