Copyright Newsweek
William "Billy" Rodriguez, a former guest on Bravo’s Below Deck Mediterranean and the CEO of Silvercrest Advertising, is facing murder charges after a fatal hit-and-run crash in Palm Springs, California. Rodriguez, 47, was arrested and charged with murder, felony hit-and-run causing death, and driving with a suspended license. The charges stem from an October 2024 collision that killed 60-year-old Christina Barrington, who was struck while riding a scooter. Rodriguez pleaded not guilty to the charges, according to court records reviewed by Newsweek. Newsweek reached out to Rodriguez's attorney, David Greenberg, by email but did not receive a response in time for publication. The Context Rodriguez entered the public eye through his appearances as a charter guest on Bravo’s Below Deck Mediterranean during seasons 7 and 8. During one season, he complained to Captain Sandy Yawn about his experience with the crew. Outside of reality television, Rodriguez built a reputation in the advertising industry as the co-founder and CEO of Silvercrest, which provides automated marketing platforms for major franchise brands. What To Know According to investigators, Rodriguez fled the October 11, 2024 crash scene as the scooter remained trapped beneath his vehicle, triggering an extensive search before forensic evidence that linked the car to him. Video surveillance showed Rodriguez visiting two bars before the crash, according to NBC Palm Springs. Prosecutors also said that Rodriguez left California the next day to travel to Las Vegas for the weekend. Rodriguez never reported the crash and told co-workers that his car was stolen and wrecked, according to police. He was arrested last week and appeared in court on October 15. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office argued against bail, according to the Palm Springs Tribune, citing Rodriguez’s previous 2013 DUI conviction and his history of continuing to drive on a suspended license. During his bail hearing, prosecutors presented evidence that he registered vehicles in his name despite lacking legal driving privileges. Judge Dean Benjamini granted bail but said Rodriguez was required to abstain from drinking alcohol, driving and traveling out of the state. Rodriguez is also accused of attempting to flee from authorities at Acrisure Arena when investigators tried to make contact with him earlier this month, although his attorney disputes this, KESQ reported. What People Are Saying David Greenberg, Rodriguez’s attorney, said in court, as reported by KESQ: "This happened over a year ago and we're just in court now. He was just arrested on these charges over the weekend and so what I'm worried about and what I'm wondering about is why it took them a year to get these charges filed?" Greenberg told KESQ his client had not tried to evade authorities at Acrisure Arena: "My understanding is that there were police there, but my client did not do anything in any way to avoid them. He didn't know they were there. He didn't know they were looking for him. So he's allowed to come and go as he pleases, again, not against the law." Prosecutor Karen Salas said of Rodriguez in court, as reported by KESQ: "He likes to spend money and drink alcohol. Given all of this information and his access to funds, I think he is a flight risk, and additionally, he's a danger to the public. He has access to yet another vehicle that is registered to him, and by the fact that he doesn't have a license, and his history indicates that he drinks at Acrisure Arena and then drives home." What Happens Next Rodriguez, who maintains his innocence, was released from custody after posting $2 million bail and is due back in court on October 24. If convicted of all charges, he could face a lengthy prison sentence.
