CEO of Silvercrest Advertising Arrested for Murder in Hit‑and‑Run

Cathedral City, CA — The Crash and Victim:

The fatal collision occurred around this time last year. Just after midnight on October 11, 2024, near the intersection of East Palm Canyon Drive and Bankside Drive.

The victim, identified as Christina Barrington (60), was riding a scooter eastbound when she was struck from behind by a 2021 black Porsche.

According to police, the striking vehicle dragged the scooter for approximately 1,400 feet before finally coming to rest, while William Frank Rodriguez allegedly fled the scene.

Barrington later died at Desert Regional Medical Center from the injuries sustained in the collision. Barrington’s dog, which was also struck, survived and has since been reunited with her family.

Arrest and Charges:

After over a year, law enforcement have arrested William Frank Rodriguez, the 43‑year‑old founder and CEO of Silvercrest Advertising, in connection with a deadly hit‑and‑run crash that claimed the life of a 60‑year‑old Cathedral City resident.

Rodriguez was arrested Monday afternoon, October 13, in Palm Springs and booked at the John J. Benoit Detention Center in Indio on a no-bail warrant. He is scheduled to next appear in court, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025.

In addition, Rodriguez’s license has been suspended since a 2013 DUI in Los Angeles County, police say in court records, although he has not yet been charged with driving under the influence in the fatal crash last year.

The charges against him are murder, hit‑and‑run leading to death, and driving with a suspended license.

According to local court filings, prosecutors have requested a bail increase. Investigation and Allegations:

Authorities say surveillance video showed Rodriguez stumbling out of a bar in Palm Springs roughly 10 minutes before the crash. The suspect’s vehicle, a 2021 black Porsche, was identified and linked to the crash site.

Court documents state that at the time of the collision, Rodriguez was driving 65 mph in a 45 mph zone. As the scooter slowed, the vehicle is alleged to have swerved into the scooter’s path, struck it, then dragged it until a sharp turn caused the scooter to detach. Rather than stop, Rodriguez allegedly drove home at a high rate of speed.

After the crash, investigators say Rodriguez falsely told some coworkers that his car had been stolen and wrecked.

Rodriguez is alleged to have left the area the next day, spending the weekend in Las Vegas, where surveillance footage purportedly shows him holding a glass of champagne.

Silvercrest Advertising:

Silvercrest Advertising, headquartered in the Coachella Valley, counts more than 200 clients in its portfolio and has been a visible sponsor in local cultural and media events, including as a presenting sponsor of the Palm Springs International Film Festival and Acrisure Arena’s Premium Level named the “Silvercrest Level” in 2023.

News of the arrest has left us with questions like” why did it take a year to arrest Rodriguez, despite the severity of the crash”?

Legal and Community Questions:

Why the delay? Perhaps Investigators needed time to gather surveillance, forensic evidence, and witness statements to build a solid case before seeking arrest and indictment?

What about civil liability? Barrington’s family could pursue wrongful death claims against Rodriguez and possibly Silvercrest Advertising, depending on his role and actions.

What Will Happen to the Company fallout? It remains to be seen how Silvercrest’s clients, partners, or sponsors will respond.DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE!!