Silvercrest CEO’s deadly hit-and-run case delayed until August

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) - William “Billy” Rodriguez, the founder and CEO of Silvercrest Advertising, was expected back in court Tuesday morning however, the hearing was continued to a later date.

Rodriguez is set to return to court on August 3 at the Larson Justice Center Indio

Rodriguez is charged with a deadly hit-and-run crash that killed 60-year-old Christina Barrington in Cathedral City on Oct. 11 2024. Rodriguez was arrested almost a year after the crash. He pleaded not guilty to charges including murder, felony hit-and-run causing death or serious injury, and driving on a suspended or revoked license.

Prosecutors allege Barrington was riding a scooter on East Palm Canyon Drive on Oct. 11, 2024 when she was struck by a black Porsche allegedly driven by Rodriguez, who then allegedly fled the scene. Prosecturos said surveillance video shows Rodriguez stumbling out of a bar minutes before the crash, driving 65 miles per hour in a 45-mile zone, and leaving the scene after dragging the scooter for nearly 1,400 feet.

Court records also show that Rodriguez left town for Las Vegas the day after the crash, where he was seen on surveillance video holding what appeared to be alcoholic drinks, including champagne.

The case has faced several delays in recent months as defense attorneys argued key discovery evidence had not yet been turned over by prosecutors. During a March hearing, Rodriguez’s attorney said the defense was still waiting on items including autopsy materials, records tied to evidence seized during a search warrant, medical records, and witness statements.

That same hearing also revealed investigators obtained a DNA profile from Rodriguez through a court-authorized search warrant tied to the case.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates on this case.