William Frank Rodriguez to stand trial in fatal hit-and-run case

A Riverside County judge has ruled that William Frank Rodriguez, the former CEO of Silvercrest Advertising, must stand trial for a felony hit-and-run involving a fatal collision in October 2024. While a second-degree murder charge was dismissed due to insufficient evidence, Rodriguez still faces charges for hit-and-run causing death or great bodily injury, as well as driving on a suspended license following a prior DUI conviction.

The incident involved 60-year-old Christina Barrington, who was riding a scooter with a small dog when she was struck. During the preliminary hearing at the Larson Justice Center, testimony focused on Rodriguez’s alcohol consumption at several Palm Springs establishments prior to the crash. Investigators allege Rodriguez was driving his Porsche Cayenne at high speeds after consuming alcohol.

Forensic testimony also addressed Barrington’s toxicology results, noting the presence of methamphetamine and amphetamine in her system, though experts noted this did not definitively establish her level of impairment at the time of the collision. Rodriguez is currently out on a $2 million bond, with his next court appearance scheduled for September 15.