Local & Community
Judge Drops Murder Charge in Former Silvercrest CEO Murder Case
UPDATE: At a preliminary hearing on Monday, Judge John Ryan has officially dropped a second-degree murder charge against former Silvercrest CEO William "Billy" Rodriguez due to insufficient evidence. Rodriguez still faces a felony hit-and-run charge. His next court appearance is slated for Sept. 15.
New testimony Monday focused on the hours leading up to the deadly 2024 crash involving former Silvercrest CEO William “Billy” Frank Rodriguez, as his preliminary hearing continued at the Larson Justice Center in Indio.
Rodriguez now faces a felony hit-and-run charge in connection with the death of 60-year-old Christina Barrington, who was struck in October 2024.
The second day of the preliminary hearing began at 8:30 a.m. Monday, continuing proceedings that first got underway earlier this month.
While the first day of testimony largely centered on what investigators say happened after Rodriguez left Acrisure Arena on the night of the crash, Monday’s hearing shifted the timeline back — focusing on where Rodriguez was, who he was with and whether he had been drinking in the hours beforehand.
Among those called to testify was a friend who was with Rodriguez before he left Acrisure Arena that night. A bartender who served Rodriguez at a Palm Springs bar also took the stand.
Their testimony and subsequent questioning centered in part on Rodriguez’s alcohol consumption and whether he may have been under the influence before the deadly collision.
The court also heard testimony about Barrington’s toxicology results.
A forensic toxicologist testified that blood testing conducted after Barrington arrived at the hospital showed methamphetamine and amphetamine in her system.
The presence of those substances does not on its own establish whether Barrington was impaired at the time of the crash or what role, if any, they may have played in the collision.
The testimony comes as attorneys continue presenting evidence to establish a timeline of the hours before and after the crash.
A preliminary hearing is not a trial and does not determine guilt or innocence. Instead, a judge will determine whether prosecutors have presented sufficient evidence for Rodriguez to stand trial on the charges against him.
Our Alondra Campos is inside the courtroom and will have the latest details tonight at 5 and 6 p.m.
By: NBC Palm Springs
August 31, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
A judge has officially dropped a second degree murder charge against former Silvercrest CEO William Frank Rodriguez due to insufficient evidence. Rodriguez now faces a felony hit and run charge and driving under a suspended license. Rodriguez is accused of killing 60-year old Cathedral City resident Christina Barrington in a hit and run crash back in October of 2024. Tune in to our evening newscasts as our @newsbyalondra shares details on the preliminary hearing in this case.
It’s been one month since a car crashed into the Burger Box restaurant in Indio. Owner Anthony Ruiz says a lot has been happening behind the scenes since then. With some new, big developments over the past week, Ruiz spoke with NBC Palm Springs’s @maria_nvtv to discuss rebuilding, new details about the investigation taking place, and how the owners are feeling now. Watch the full on update on NBC Palm Springs at 5 & 6, and visit nbcpalmsprings.com to hear where things stand, what’s next, and how the Burger Box family is reflecting on this incident as they navigate their new reality. #BurgerBox #update #indio #localbusiness #rebuilding
Social time with Thalia and Jerry and Hayden
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Damian Durinzi’s Catch in Traffic, 2) Jaylen Turner Finding the End Zone with Pressure, 3) Aiden Pope’s 95 Yard Punt Return, 4) Colton LaCrone’s 40 Yard Rushing TD, or 5) Adam Tremper’s 30 Yard Rushing TD #fypage #fridaynightlights #top3 #hondaofthedesert
FIREFIGHTERS FACE A “FIRENADO” IN IDAHO Talk about a terrifying sight. While battling the Cave Fire near Kuna, Idaho, firefighters encountered a massive fire whirl — commonly called a “firenado.” The dramatic footage shows the powerful column of swirling fire as crews worked to battle the wildfire. Watch the video at NBCPalmSprings.com. #Firenado #Wildfire #Idaho #Firefighters #FireWeather #CaveFire #NBCPalmSprings
Are Coachella Valley roads designed more for cars than people? With 65 pedestrian deaths reported across the Valley’s nine cities in roughly five years, The Roggin Report takes a closer look at pedestrian safety, dark-sky rules, road design and who should be responsible for keeping people safe. Drivers? Cities? Or pedestrians themselves? Watch the full discussion on The Roggin Report at NBCPalmSprings.com/therogginreport
Erosion, rising tides and unstable bluffs are reshaping San Clemente’s iconic coastline — and officials are testing new ways to protect the beach, rail line and nearby infrastructure. The city is using a combination of sand, rock, plants, reinforcement and new walls to fight the impacts. The Orange County Transportation Authority has also built a catchment wall to help keep landslide debris off the coastal rail tracks. And there’s a Coachella Valley connection: San Clemente City Manager Andy Hall previously served as Cathedral City’s city manager. With sea levels rising and extreme tidal events putting more pressure on California’s coast, officials say the work in San Clemente could help other coastal communities prepare for what’s ahead. Read the full story at NBCPalmSprings.com. #SanClemente #CaliforniaCoast #CoastalErosion #CathedralCity #CoachellaValley NBCPalmSprings
80s pop icon Taylor Dayne is coming to the Coachella Valley, and you could be there! Taylor Dayne sits down with our entertainment contributor TOD Macofsky for a conversation about her legendary career, classic hits, Palm Springs, her upcoming Las Vegas residency and what fans can expect when she takes the stage at Spotlight 29. Taylor Dayne performs Friday, September 4 at 8 p.m. at Spotlight 29. Want to WIN tickets? Enter now at: nbcpalmsprings.com/promotions Watch the full interview with Taylor Dayne on Desert Entertainment with TOD at NBCPalmSprings.com. #TaylorDayne #Spotlight29 #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #80sMusic ConcertGiveaway TicketGiveaway DesertEntertainment
California is considering major penalties for hospitals and medical groups that exceed state healthcare spending targets. But could those fines actually lead to cuts in critical services like emergency rooms, mental health and obstetrics? Tammy and Stephanie weigh in on the potential impact—and why controlling healthcare costs may be a double-edged sword. Watch the full discussion and hear the panel’s take at NBCPalmSprings.com/therogginreport
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry