In 2014, 13-year-old Chrishia Odette was struck and killed by an unlawful Mexican immigrant whereas crossing a avenue in Rockwall, Texas. Her father, Chris Odette—a U.S. navy veteran and single father after shedding his spouse to breast most cancers—spent over a decade tirelessly searching for justice. This week, his efforts bore fruit: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed the arrest of Ramiro Guevara, the person liable for the deadly incident, who had remained free for years regardless of a number of authorized violations.
A Preventable Tragedy
The tragedy unfolded when Chrishia attended a sleepover. Later that night, whereas making an attempt to cross the road, she was hit by a automobile pushed by Ramiro Guevara, an unlawful immigrant from Mexico. In response to ICE, Guevara had been encountered by Border Patrol twice earlier than—voluntarily returning to Mexico in 1994 and 2004—and had an excellent 2010 warrant from the Mesquite Police Division for driving with no license and rushing.
Regardless of this historical past, Guevara was launched again into the neighborhood following the lethal crash in 2014. A grand jury finally «no-billed» the case, that means the jury determined there wasn’t sufficient proof to help prison costs.
A Father’s Unyielding Promise
Chris Odette had already endured the lack of his spouse to breast most cancers 15 months previous to Chrishia’s loss of life. He had promised her he would all the time shield their daughter. This vow grew to become his mission: to convey Ramiro Guevara to justice and spotlight the authorized loopholes that allowed a person with such a report to stay free within the U.S.
«I misplaced my complete household within the span of 15 months to a illness that couldn’t be prevented after which to a criminal offense that was 100% preventable,» Odette stated in an interview. «I made a promise to my spouse earlier than she died that I might deal with our daughter, and I really feel like I failed that promise.»
Arrest After a Decade of Impunity
On March 26, 2025, ICE arrested Ramiro Guevara, a 46-year-old Mexican nationwide, who had been dwelling freely within the U.S. regardless of a 2017 deportation order. Guevara had filed a petition for aid from elimination in 2016, which was denied in 2017, and he was subsequently ordered eliminated on August 23, 2017. He failed to look for his elimination proceedings and remained at massive till his current arrest.
Guevara is presently in ICE custody pending elimination proceedings.
A Image of a Damaged Immigration System
The case of Chrishia Odette has been highlighted by organizations advocating for stricter immigration legal guidelines and by conservative leaders pointing to systemic failures in immigration enforcement. Chris Odette has shared his story in numerous boards, together with Congress, advocating for extra stringent legal guidelines and elevated sources for ICE. His testimony has resonated with many voters demanding justice for victims affected by lapses in immigration enforcement.
Conclusion: How Many Extra Lives?
The arrest of Guevara marks a major milestone in a father’s relentless pursuit of justice. Nevertheless, it additionally raises a urgent query: What number of extra lives have to be misplaced earlier than immigration legal guidelines are successfully enforced? Chrishia’s case will not be remoted; it underscores the dire penalties of permitting people with prison backgrounds to stay within the nation unlawfully.
As Chris Odette poignantly said, «This isn’t simply my story. It’s the story of many households who’ve been deserted by the system. But when I can do something with my ache, it’s to stop one other woman like Chrishia from being forgotten by her nation.»
