Families Rally Against Early Release of Illegal Immigrant Convicted of Vehicular Manslaughter

Families Rally Against Early Release of Illegal Immigrant Convicted of Vehicular Manslaughter

Exclusive: Families of victims in a tragic high-speed crash in Orange County, California, are voicing their outrage over the impending early release of an illegal immigrant convicted of killing two teenagers. Oscar Eduardo Ortega-Anguiano, 43, is set to be released from prison more than six years before completing his ten-year sentence.

In November 2021, Ortega-Anguiano was behind the wheel while intoxicated and speeding at nearly 100 miles per hour on the 405 freeway when he crashed into the vehicle of 19-year-olds Anya Varfolomeev and Nicholay Osokin. The crash resulted in both teens dying as their car caught fire. Last year, Ortega-Anguiano was found guilty of two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

Anatoly Varfolomeev, Anya’s father, expressed his disgust at the thought of Ortega-Anguiano being released early. He asserted, “It’s disgusting. You have two young, unbelievable futures, productive American citizens killed for nothing, and that illegal immigrant who has already been deported twice is going to be released again? For what? Even if he is deported, he will come back.” Since Anya’s tragic death, Varfolomeev has kept her room intact, reflecting his enduring grief.

Federal Authorities Take Action

In anticipation of his release, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has filed a detainer request for Ortega-Anguiano’s custody, indicating their intention to take him into federal custody upon his discharge by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). However, California’s sanctuary laws create uncertainty regarding the state’s compliance with ICE requests. Generally, the CDCR cooperates with ICE on detainers, but the current political landscape complicates this process.

Before his arrest, Ortega-Anguiano had a criminal history that included multiple felonies and prior convictions related to driving without a license. Tom Homan, a former border czar, stated on Fox News that he would ensure the detainer is honored and that swift action would be taken to place Ortega-Anguiano in federal custody upon his release.

Criminal Background and Legal Proceedings

In 2022, Ortega-Anguiano was sentenced to ten years in prison for his crimes. Records indicate that along with his vehicular manslaughter conviction, he had previous convictions, including burglary, vehicle theft, and battery involving his spouse. ICE confirmed the details of his detainer, highlighting a long history of criminal behavior.

The agency noted, “U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement placed a detainer with North Kern State Prison on Oscar Eduardo Ortega-Anguiano as he is serving time after being convicted of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. His previous criminal convictions include burglary in 2005; vehicle theft in 2007; and battery on spouse with kidnapping in 2014.”

Release Uncertainty and Community Concerns

Details regarding his potential release have raised alarm among the families of the victims. ICE’s notice of release, obtained by Fox News, indicated that Ortega-Anguiano may be released in Garden Grove, California. This has further alarmed families who have expressed fears about his return to the community.

For safety reasons, the CDCR has not provided information on the exact release date or location. They noted that incarcerated individuals can earn credits through participation in rehabilitative programs, which could lead to earlier parole dates.

The families of the crash victims regard Ortega-Anguiano’s early release as a significant injustice. They fear that even if he is deported, he may illegally re-enter the United States, as he has previously done. Pavel Osokin, Nicholay’s father, articulated the despair felt by many, stating, “I hope he’s going to stay in prison. I hope that he’s going to get old in prison and I hope he’s kicked out of our country in the end.”

Deep Frustration over Sentencing

Osokin also expressed his frustration regarding the legal consequences faced by Ortega-Anguiano, questioning the rationale behind such a lenient sentence. “Three years for killing two kids? It’s confusing to me. Why give them ten years if they’re only going to spend five, and then three? Just give them three in the beginning, at least we know what to expect. It feels like a slap in the face to us.”

The emotional scars left by this tragic incident continue to affect the families involved. They remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice for Anya and Nicholay, hoping that their voices will lead to a change in how similar cases are addressed in the future.

A Call to the Community

The families are urging the public to remain vigilant and advocate for stricter consequences for repeat offenders, especially those who repeatedly re-enter the country illegally. They emphasize the need for comprehensive reforms to ensure that no family experiences such tragedy again. Community support has been instrumental in keeping awareness alive surrounding the ramifications of illegal immigration and public safety.

As the families of Anya Varfolomeev and Nicholay Osokin continue to fight for justice, their story serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of reckless driving and the complexities of immigration laws in America. Their hope is that their tragedy leads to meaningful change to prevent others from suffering a similar fate.