Parents of Killed Teen Speak Out on Man's Murder Charges Filed in DUI Crash

Authorities say the man accused of killing a La Quinta teenager in a DUI crash is now facing more serious charges.

Jose Villegas Orbe of Palm Springs appeared in court this morning, where prosecutors announced his charges have been upgraded from manslaughter to murder. He is accused of driving under the influence and fatally striking 14-year-old Liam Cantu in October.

Investigators say Villegas Orbe was intoxicated the night of the crash and had allegedly been involved in a separate hit-and-run earlier that evening. He was already on probation at the time for a previous DUI.

Liam’s parents say the details presented in court underscore just how preventable the tragedy was.

“Our son’s not here anymore… it was gross negligence on his side,” Jesus Cantu, Liam’s father said. “He was going to kill somebody that day, and unfortunately it happened to be our son.”

Liam’s mother added that the upgraded charges bring some comfort.

“It brings peace to my heart to know that he’s going to be put away and won’t hurt another family,” she said.

According to Riverside County Sheriff’s records, Villegas Orbe is being held without bail. He is scheduled to return to court on Feb. 4 of next year.