Local & Community
Silvercrest CEO Posts $2M Bail After Fatal Hit-and-Run Charges
William Frank Rodriguez, 43-year-old CEO of Silvercrest Advertising, posted $2 million bail Thursday, one day after pleading not guilty to multiple felony charges including first-degree murder in connection with a fatal hit-and-run collision that killed a Cathedral City woman last year.
Rodriguez was charged in the October 11, 2024, death of 60-year-old Christina Barrington, who was struck while riding her scooter eastbound on East Palm Canyon Drive near Bankside Drive.
According to investigators, a black 2021 Porsche traveling 65 miles per hour in a 45-mile-per-hour zone struck Barrington from behind, dragging the scooter approximately 1,400 feet before fleeing the scene. Barrington died the following day at Desert Regional Medical Center.
In addition to the murder charge, Rodriguez faces charges for driving on a suspended license and felony hit-and-run resulting in death. Court documents show Rodriguez was convicted of driving under the influence in Los Angeles County in 2013 and received a Watson advisement—a legal warning that a subsequent DUI causing death could result in murder charges. His license was suspended following that conviction and never reinstated.
Surveillance footage from the night of the crash reportedly shows Rodriguez drinking at multiple Palm Springs bars, including Dick's and Quadz, with video capturing him stumbling as he left the last venue minutes before the collision occurred.
Cathedral City Police identified Rodriguez as a suspect within days of the incident. After more than a year of investigation, the Riverside County District Attorney's Office approved charges, leading to his arrest on Monday.
Rodriguez is scheduled to appear in court again on October 24.
By: NBC Palm Springs
October 17, 2025
Latest Instagram Posts
When we took a closer look at the Desert Recreation District, the numbers and details just didn’t line up. What are your thoughts on this? Drop your take in the comments👇 #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #desertrecreationdistrict #nbcpalmsprings
Your face may reveal more than you think. Researchers developed AI that analyzes facial photos for clues about biological age and cancer survival. Potentially a future tool to help doctors? 🥼
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Giveaway: 3-4 minutes of air time on Talking with Thalia!
🧛♂️ The Count is in the Coachella Valley! Kevin Mann is back with a new Mann on the Aisle review teaser, taking a bite out of Dracula at Revolution Stage Company! 🩸🎭 Will this production leave him spellbound or thirsty for more? Stay tuned for the full review! #MannOnTheAisle #Dracula #RevolutionStageCompany #TheatreReview #CoachellaValley #NBCPalmSprings
Independent journalists and political operatives are churning out viral clips from the 2026 campaign trail. Sometimes, these clips are sorely out of context, yet they’re driving the midterms conversation. CNN’s Marshall Cohen dives into this phenomenon and speaks with a prominent clipper about the industry.
☕️ Social Time with Thal & Jerry. Do you celebrate your birthday anymore?
A highly anticipated hearing in the People vs. William Rodriguez case was postponed for a second time today after the prosecution used a legal move to request a new judge for the hearing. Today a judge was expected to rule whether or not to dismiss Rodriguez’s murder charge after he struck and killed 60 year old Christina Barrington in Cathedral City. Tune in to our 5,6 and 11 p.m newscasts as our @newsbyalondra has all the latest details.
🎭 Kevin Mann is back with “Mann on the Aisle,” reviewing Cat on a Hot Tin Roof at The Bent Theatre! 🐈🔥 How does this classic Tennessee Williams drama hold up on the local stage? Kevin shares his take on the performances, the production and what audiences can expect. Watch the latest review from NBC Palm Springs! #NBCPalmSprings #MannOnTheAisle #CatOnAHotTinRoof #TheaterReview #CoachellaValley #LocalTheater
🚧 Tropical Storm Rachel left its mark on Highway 111. Caltrans crews are working on a $4.2 million emergency repair project near North Shore after flooding and washouts damaged the roadway along the Salton Sea. Repairs are underway weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. between Crooker Drive and Vanderveer Road. There’s no word yet on when the work will be complete. #SaltonSea #Highway111 #TropicalStormRachel #Caltrans #CoachellaValley
☕️ Social Time: dressing up for Halloween this year? If so, what’s your costume?