Palm Springs Man Appears in Court for DUI Hit-and-Run Murder of 14-Year-Old Liam Cantu

Earlier this morning, Jose Villegas Orbe, the Palm Springs man charged in the DUI hit-and-run murder of a 14-year-old boy, appeared once again at the Indio Larson Justice Center for a felony settlement conference.

The victim was identified as Liam Cantu, a freshman at La Quinta High School. Liam’s parents, Jesus Cantu and Jennifer Perez, were present at the hearing, facing the man accused of killing their son for the first time since the deadly crash last year.

For the Cantu family, the appearance was another painful reminder of their loss. “No matter what happens, we’re never going to get our little boy back,” said Jesus Cantu. “It’s just a reality right now. I miss my son’s baseball games.”

Liam was killed last October in what authorities say was a DUI hit-and-run. Months later, his parents say the grief remains overwhelming. “It’s just so hard to see him,” said Jennifer Perez, referring to Villegas Orbe. “Just his presence. It feels like it’s taking forever. I just want justice for my son.”

Thursday’s court appearance marked Villegas Orbe’s felony settlement conference. His next court date is scheduled for March 26, when preliminary hearings are set to begin.

Jesus Cantu says he’s unsure what justice truly looks like for him, but hopes no other family has to experience the same kind of loss.

For Jennifer Perez, justice means accountability.

“How many more moms, kids, fathers have to pass away?” she said. “For me, justice is making sure this guy goes to jail for the rest of his life, and that other DUI offenders get what they deserve.”

Villegas Orbe is expected back at the Indio Larson Justice Center on March 26 for the start of preliminary hearings.