Court Docs: Silvercrest CEO spent weekend in Las Vegas after deadly hit-and-run crash
Jesus Reyes
CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Court documents revealed new information about the deadly hit-and-run crash that led to the arrest of Silvercrest CEO William Rodriguez.
The crash happened on Oct. 11, 2024, in Cathedral City. Rodriguez is accused of hitting a woman riding a scooter late that night, dragging the vehicle for several blocks, before fleeing the scene. The woman, Christina Barrington, 60, was pronounced dead the next day in the hospital.
According to the bail increase request, Rodriguez was allegedly out drinking hours before, even seen on surveillance video stumbling out of a Palm Springs bar approximately 10 minutes before the deadly crash.
Police said Rodriguez was driving 65 MPH in a 45 MPH zone when he swerved out of his lane and hit a moped traveling at a significantly slower speed. The moped driver, identifed as Barrington, was ejected and killed. Rodriguez continued dragging the moped for about 1,400 feet before making a sudden turn and disloging the scooter.
He then reportedly drove home at a high rate of speed. The next day, Rodriguez left town.
“…Rodriguez left town and spent the weekend in Las Vegas, where he was seen on surveillance with what appear to be alcoholic drinks, including a glass of champagne he appears to be toasting with,” reads the court document.
Police said Rodriguez never reported the crash, he told co-workers that his car was stolen and wrecked.
Court documents also revealed that Rodriguez had a suspended license from a 2013 DUI conviction out of Los Angeles County.
Rodriguez was arrested Monday afternoon in Palm Springs. He has been charged with murder, hit-and-run leading to death, and driving with a suspended license. He is being held in lieu of bail at the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio.
He is scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday at the Larson Justice Center in Indio.
Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates on this case.