Father Achieves Justice After a Decade of Pursuit Following Daughter’s Tragic Death in Texas

Father Achieves Justice After a Decade of Pursuit Following Daughter’s Tragic Death in Texas

A father’s relentless pursuit of justice culminated in a significant legal outcome, bringing solace to him after his 13-year-old daughter was killed in 2014 by an illegal immigrant in Texas. This heartbreaking saga has unfolded over the past decade, highlighting issues surrounding accountability and immigration enforcement.

Chris Odette, a veteran living in New Hampshire, faced unimaginable grief shortly after losing his wife to breast cancer. In a tragic twist of fate, the day he dropped his only daughter, Chrishia, off at a sleepover was the last time he embraced her.

Reflecting on his devastating losses, Odette shared, “My wife died 15 months before my daughter was killed. In that time, I lost my entire family to a disease that couldn’t be prevented, followed by a crime that was completely avoidable. I promised my late wife that I would take care of our daughter, and I feel as though I failed that promise.”

Odette’s memories of that night resonate with emotional weight. He initially had reservations about allowing his daughter to attend a sleepover, especially after relocating to Rockwall, Texas. However, Chrishia was eager to socialize with friends at her new school.

“I kept hearing my late wife’s voice encouraging me not to be overly protective, urging me to let her experience life,” Odette recounted. He drove her to the friend’s home around 9 p.m.

Following his return home, Odette received a devastating phone call. Chrishia had been struck by a car while crossing a street outside of a crosswalk. Police reported that she was walking when the accident occurred.

The driver, Ramiro Guevara, was identified as an illegal immigrant from Mexico. Upon being arrested by the Rockwall Police Department, he faced charges for driving without a license. Shockingly, records indicated he spent a mere 35 minutes in custody before posting bail.

According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Guevara had been previously encountered by Border Patrol in 1994 and 2004, with voluntary returns to Mexico. At the time of the accident, he additionally had an outstanding warrant from the Mesquite Police Department for driving-related offenses.

Despite the grave circumstances, Guevara was released back into the community shortly after the incident. Ultimately, a grand jury determined that there was insufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges against him.

“They claimed that because there were no drugs or alcohol involved, they could not prove negligence on his part while driving,” Odette remarked. “Essentially, he faced no accountability for taking my daughter’s life.”

The legal saga surrounding Guevara’s immigration status continued for years. On March 10, 2016, he filed a petition seeking relief from removal, which was subsequently denied by an immigration judge in July 2017. Following that, he received an order for removal on August 23 of the same year.

Odette expressed his anguish, commenting, “This individual is watching his children grow up, while my daughter is gone. She would have turned 24 this year, graduated from college, and started high school at 13. She was exceptionally bright and incredibly talented, a true ray of sunshine. When my wife passed away, she was the one who encouraged me to stop crying and regain my strength.”

In his quest for justice, Odette contacted various elected officials and advocacy groups, often facing obstacles. He felt increasingly discouraged over the years.

“If the laws were enforced correctly, instead of accommodating those who cross the border illegally, my daughter would still be alive, and countless others would be with their families today,” Odette asserted.

Despite the challenges, Odette found allies in former U.S. Representative Michael Burgess of Texas, who expressed his support after hearing Odette’s story. In 2019, Burgess shared Chrishia’s story on the House floor, stressing the need to secure U.S. borders effectively.

More recently, Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene aided Odette by connecting him with Tom Homan, an official overseeing border security.

After years of relentless efforts to secure justice for his daughter, Odette finally received a breakthrough. On March 26, ICE arrested Guevara, who is now in custody as removal proceedings unfold.

As Odette contemplates the future, he reflects on his promise to Chrishia, stating, “I vowed that if anyone ever harmed her, I would go to any lengths to protect her. One day, I hope to see her again and express to her that I did everything within my power to seek justice.”

A Journey Marked by Grief and Resolve

This father’s journey serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding issues of immigration and public safety. Despite facing heartbreak and loss, Odette’s unwavering commitment to his daughter’s memory stands as a testament to the depth of parental love and the pursuit of accountability in the face of tragedy.