Local & Community
Murder Charge Dropped Against William Rodriguez in Cathedral City Hit-and-Run Case
A judge has dropped the second-degree murder charge against former Silvercrest CEO William Rodriguez in connection with a deadly 2024 hit-and-run in Cathedral City.
After two lengthy days of testimony at the Larson Justice Center in Indio, Judge John Ryan ruled prosecutors did not provide enough evidence to prove Rodriguez was driving under the influence when he allegedly struck and killed 60-year-old Christina Barrington.
Rodriguez already had a prior DUI conviction. Under California's Watson theory, a person with a prior DUI conviction can face a second-degree murder charge if they later drive under the influence and cause a fatal crash.
However, the judge ruled there was insufficient evidence to establish that Rodriguez was impaired at the time of the October 2024 crash.
Rodriguez still faces a felony hit-and-run charge and driving with a suspended license. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Barrington was riding a scooter near East Palm Canyon Drive and Bankside Drive in Cathedral City when prosecutors allege she was struck from behind by a vehicle. She died from her injuries.
Following Monday's ruling, NBC Palm Springs reporter Alondra Campos approached Rodriguez outside the courtroom as he was leaving with his legal team, family and friends.
Asked if he had any comment about the murder charge being dropped, Rodriguez did not respond.
The preliminary hearing included testimony from several witnesses, including a friend who was with Rodriguez at Acrisure Arena before the crash and a bartender who served him at a Palm Springs bar. A forensic toxicologist also testified about an estimate of Rodriguez's potential blood alcohol concentration based on two drinks he was seen ordering on surveillance video.
The case will continue with Rodriguez still facing the remaining felony charges.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley
By: Alondra Campos
August 31, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What’s your favorite NFL team?
A major cleanup is underway after powerful waves damaged 14 beachfront homes near Capistrano Beach in Orange County. Residents are concerned their homes could remain vulnerable without protective measures in place. Crews are clearing debris, while efforts to bring in protective boulders were delayed by high tide. #California #OrangeCounty #CapistranoBeach #CoastalWaves #Beachfront #WeatherNews
Two new Girl Scout cookies are coming in 2027 🍪 Meet Sparkables: a crunchy oatmeal cookie with chocolate chips and colorful sprinkles, developed with Partake in a facility designed to avoid the nine major food allergens. And for the pups: Patch Pals 🐾 Soft-baked, blueberry muffin-flavored dog cookies in four adorable designs. Both will be available online beginning in January. Which one are you most excited to try? #GirlScouts #GirlScoutCookies #NewCookies #DogTreats #FoodAllergyFriendly #CookieSeason
It’s more than just dancing — it’s fitness, confidence and community. A Coachella Valley dance studio is helping adults move their bodies, have fun and step into their power, one class at a time. And during Beyoncé’s birthday week, the energy was turned all the way up. “When in doubt, twerk it out.” See how VXN Worldwide Dance Company is getting the Valley moving — and building confidence along the way. Read more at NBCPalmSprings.com. #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Dance #Fitness #Community NBCPalmSprings
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What are you going to be for Halloween? 🎃
Labor Day traffic is picking up in Palm Springs. If you’re heading out, our Maria Noble Valdez has what you can expect on the roads here. Be sure to stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs and nbcpalmsprings.com for more Labor Day coverage #LaborDay #LaborDayTraffic #PalmSprings #TrafficUpdate #i10
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Cael Woody with the dot under pressure, 2) Tatum Webster with the pass breakup, 3) Ivan Garza with the rushing TD, 4) Sean Meza with the toe tap, or 5) Jesus. Valenzuela with the strong hands #fypage #fridaynightlights #top3 #hondaofthedesert
Me On A Plate is back! We head over to @tacquila_ps to talk to chef David Arreguin about his love of spice, being the seventh of nine children, and his drive to always follow his passion. Check it out now on our website nbcpalmsprings.com
Nearly a year after wildfires tore through Mountain Center, the scars are still visible along the Palms to Pines Highway. Now, fire crews are working to repair those burn areas and reduce the risk of flooding, erosion and mudslides when heavy rain arrives. The work includes fire-line suppression repairs, water bars and other measures designed to slow rainwater and keep burned soil from washing away. CAL FIRE Riverside County Battalion Chief Ryan Lubin says the steep terrain, dry brush and limited access continue to create challenges for mountain communities. With El Niño conditions expected to bring periods of heavy rain, officials say preparing now could help protect homes and communities from the aftermath of wildfire. The message from firefighters: preparation can save lives. Read the full story at NBCPalmSprings.com. #MountainCenter #Highway74 #PalmsToPines #CALFIRE #Wildfire WildfireRecovery FireSafety CoachellaValley SanJacintoMountains
Gas prices in Riverside County are climbing toward $6 a gallon — and that’s more than $1 higher than this time last year. A 15-gallon fill-up now costs about $86, leaving many drivers wondering how much longer they can absorb the rising cost. On this week’s Roggin Report, Fred Roggin and the panel debate how expensive gas is changing the way people travel, work and live — and why prices are so much higher here. Watch the full conversation at NBCPalmSprings.com. #RogginReport #FredRoggin #GasPrices #RiversideCounty #CoachellaValley