A quiet stretch of highway in Southern California became the scene of tragedy earlier this month when a drunk driver collided with two teenage boys on bicycles. The impact shattered their evening and irrevocably altered the course of two families’ lives.
Fourteen-year-old Liam Cantu, a freshman at La Quinta High School, succumbed to his injuries this week, leaving a community reeling in grief. His friend, also a teenager, survived the crash and is now recovering at home, carrying the weight of witnessing the horrific event.
The driver, 47-year-old Jose Villegas Orbe, didn’t stop. He fled the scene, abandoning the boys to their fate. Authorities quickly identified him as the responsible party, and he now faces a litany of charges, including vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence, and hit-and-run.
Details emerging reveal a disturbing pattern. Villegas Orbe is not a resident of Palm Springs, but a Mexican national with a history of legal troubles. Investigations uncovered two prior DUI arrests within a mere three months in 2024.
These weren’t first-time offenses, yet Villegas Orbe remained free. Because the DUI arrests were classified as misdemeanors, they didn’t trigger enforcement priorities, and immigration authorities didn’t detain him. A crucial opportunity to prevent further tragedy was lost.
The case has ignited a firestorm of questions and grief, highlighting the devastating consequences of impaired driving and the complexities surrounding immigration enforcement. A young life has been extinguished, and a family is left to grapple with unimaginable loss.
Liam Cantu’s death serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact of choices made behind the wheel. The community mourns a bright future stolen too soon, while demanding accountability and seeking answers.
