#BreakingNews BELOW DECK Charter Guest Billy Rodriguez OFFICIALLY ARRESTED for MURDER 😱💔

Cathedral City Police have arrested 43-year-old William Frank Rodriguez, a Palm Springs resident and the CEO of Silvercrest Advertising, in connection with a deadly crash in Cathedral city over more than a year ago. He was taken into custody Monday and is now being held without bail at the John J. Benoit Detention Center in Indio.

According to police, Rodriguez had been tentatively identified as a suspect within days of the crash. Court documents also show that Rodriguez has a 2013 DUI conviction out of Los Angeles County and had his license suspended. His driving privileges were never re-instated.

On October 11, 2024. Cathedral City Police responded to East Palm Canyon Drive, near Bankside Drive, where they found 60-year-old Christina Barrington and her injured dog lying in the roadway.

Investigators say Barrington was riding eastbound when she was struck from behind by a black 2021 Porsche. She died the following day at Desert Regional Medical Center. Her dog survived and was later reunited with family. Police now believe Rodriguez, also known as Billy Rodriguez, was the driver of that vehicle — and that he fled the scene after the crash, dragging the scooter behind him.

Hours before the incident, video surveillance shows Rodriguez visiting two bars on Arenas Road shortly after leaving a concert at Acrisure Arena, according to court documents. Rodriguez then proceeded to speed on East Palm Canyon Drive — when he swerved and hit a woman on a scooter and her dog. Rodriguez continued to drive for 1400 feet, dragging the scooter, before making a sudden turn.

Court documents also show that Rodriguez left town and spent the weekend in Las Vegas the same week of the incident. According to police, Rodriguez had been tentatively identified as a suspect within days of the crash. After an extensive investigation, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office approved charges of felony hit-and-run and homicide last week. A warrant was issued on October 10.

Rodriguez’s company, Silvercrest Advertising, has been a major presence in the Coachella Valley, sponsoring high-profile events including the Palm Springs International Film Festival and the Pride Equality Walk.

Rodriguez is expected to make his first court appearance Tuesday at the Larson Justice Center in Indio.

WILLIAM RODRIGUEZ MURDER CHARGE DETAILS

William Rodriguez has been charged with felony murder, felony hit and run resulting in death, and misdemeanor driving without a license stemming from an incident in October, 2024.

According to NBC Palm Springs, 60-year-old Christina Barrington and her dog were struck from behind by a black 2021 Porsche in Cathedral City on October 11, 2024. Barrington died the following day.

Police named William Rodriguez as a tentative suspect within days of the incident, but did not issue a warrant until late last week.

From NBC Palm Springs:

Hours before the incident, video surveillance shows Rodriguez visiting two bars on Arenas Road shortly after leaving a concert at Acrisure Arena, according to court documents. Rodriguez then proceeded to speed on East Palm Canyon Drive — when he swerved and hit a woman on a scooter and her dog. Rodriguez continued to drive for 1400 feet, dragging the scooter, before making a sudden turn.

The charge of driving without a license is due to Rodriquez’s 2013 DUI conviction.

William Rodriguez is being held without bond and is due in court today.

UPDATE – The murder charge was amended to 1st degree murder. Billy was released on October 16 after posting a $2 million bond. His next court date is scheduled for October 24.

WILLIAM BILLY RODRIGUEZ ON BELOW DECK MED

William “Billy” Rodriguez appeared on Season 7 and Season 8 of Below Deck Med.

Billy’s appearance during Season 7 was memorable due to the yacht losing power to its stabilizers and Captain Sandy’s infamous inflatable slide being held up in customs during the charter.

Billy Rodriguez returned for Season 8. During the pref sheet meeting, Captain Sandy was asked how Billy’s previous charter went. “Not good,” she answered.

“Billy Rodriguez is the co-founder of an advertising agency,” Captain Sandy continued. “He is happy to be back. Although, this time he is hoping to have a boat with working stabilizers and a slide. Billy will be joined by his fiancé, Chris, and their six closest friends.

The advertising agency co-founded by Billy Rodriguez is Silvercrest Advertising. He is currently the CEO of the company.

Asa Hawks is a writer and editor for Starcasm. You can contact Asa via Twitter, Facebook, or email at starcasmtips(at)yahoo.com