Silvercrest CEO to Appear in Court for Felony Settlement Conference in Deadly Cathedral City Hit-and-Run

Silvercrest CEO William Frank Rodriguez is scheduled to return to court later this morning, months after his arrest in connection with a fatal hit-and-run in Cathedral City.

Rodriguez, also known as Billy Rodriguez, is expected to appear at 8:30 a.m. at the Indio Larson Justice Center for a felony settlement conference. The hearing could determine whether the case is resolved through a plea agreement or proceeds to trial.

Rodriguez was first arrested in October 2025. During a previous court appearance, his attorney told the court that the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office was waiting on what he described as an “inordinate amount of supplemental discovery,” or additional evidence. Some of that evidence could be presented during today’s hearing.

The case stems from a deadly hit-and-run that claimed the life of 60-year-old Christina Barrington. Investigators say Barrington was riding her moped along East Palm Canyon Drive in Cathedral City when she was struck by a vehicle that fled the scene.

According to detectives, Rodriguez was driving a black 2021 Porsche when he hit Barrington’s scooter and continued driving, dragging the wreckage. The crash prompted an extensive investigation, with authorities collecting evidence and following up on tips from the community.

Rodriguez was later taken into custody, pleaded not guilty to hit-and-run homicide charges, and was released after posting $2 million bail.

News crews will be in court monitoring the felony settlement conference and will provide updates as new information becomes available.