Murder charge refiled against Billy Rodriguez in fatal Cathedral City hit-and-run
INDIO, CA (KESQ) — A murder charge has been refiled against former Palm Springs advertising agency CEO William “Billy” Rodriguez, who is accused in the hit-and-run death of a woman riding a scooter in Cathedral City two years ago.
Rodriguez appeared in court Tuesday as prosecutors renewed their effort to pursue a murder case against him in connection with the death of 60-year-old Christina Barrington.
Last month, a judge dismissed the murder charge following a preliminary hearing, but ordered Rodriguez to stand trial on charges of felony hit-and-run causing death and driving with a suspended license.
The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office has now filed the murder charge again, saying prosecutors remain confident in their case and believe the evidence presented during the preliminary hearing is sufficient to move forward with the charge.
The defense disputes the allegations and plans to challenge the renewed murder charge, asking the judge to review the evidence.
“(The District Attorney’s Office) elected to still file a murder charge even though the judge disagreed with that. We as his defense team absolutely assert his innocence,” said Molly Tucker, Rodriguez’s defense attorney.
Rodriguez has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
He was released from custody on $2 million bail and is required to wear a GPS monitor and an alcohol-monitoring device.
Barrington was killed in Cathedral City after the collision involving the scooter. Prosecutors allege Rodriguez was involved in the hit-and-run.
Tuesday’s hearing was continued until October 15.
The renewed murder charge is expected to be challenged by the defense as the case moves forward.
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