Tragic DUI Hit-and-Run: Illegal Immigrant Charged in Death of La Quinta High School Student
A man has been charged in the death of a 14-year-old high school student in Southern California in a DUI hit-and-run crash. The man is an illegal immigrant from Mexico with prior DUI arrests in California. The victim, Liam Cantu, was a freshman at La Quinta High School who was hit while riding his bike with another teen. Cantu passed away in the hospital on October 24.
Jose Abelardo Villegas-Orbe, the suspect, faces charges of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and DUI hit-and-run causing death. He had two previous DUI arrests in Riverside County, California, in August 2024 and November 2024. Despite these arrests, he was not deported due to the Biden administration's immigration policies.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has now filed a detainer request for Villegas-Orbe following the fatal hit-and-run arrest. However, California's sanctuary state law may prevent any cooperation in the deportation process. La Quinta High School mourns the loss of Liam Cantu, remembering his smile, laughter, and positive energy within the school community. His spirit will always be cherished by the school family.