Justice Delayed, But Not Denied: Father’s Decade-Long Fight Leads to Arrest of Illegal Immigrant in Daughter’s Death

The quest for justice, often a winding and arduous path, has finally yielded a measure of solace for a grieving father in Dallas. After a decade-long struggle, Chris Odette, a veteran and single parent now residing in New Hampshire, has seen the man responsible for his 13-year-old daughter’s death apprehended by ICE. His daughter, Chrishia, was tragically killed in a 2014 car accident caused by an illegal immigrant in Texas.

The weight of Odette’s loss is compounded by the fact that he had recently lost his wife to breast cancer just 15 months prior. The sudden and unexpected death of Chrishia, his only child, struck a devastating blow. He recalled the last time he saw her, dropping her off at a sleepover, never imagining it would be their final goodbye.

"My wife died 15 months before my daughter was killed," Odette lamented. "And then to have my daughter killed, I lost my entire family in the span of 15 months – to a disease that couldn’t be prevented, and then to a crime that was 100% preventable. I made a promise to my wife before she died that I would take care of my daughter, and I feel like I failed that promise."

Odette recounted his initial hesitation in allowing Chrishia to attend the sleepover. They had recently relocated to Rockwall, Texas, and she was eager to make new friends at her new school. He wrestled with his protective instincts, ultimately deciding to allow her the experience. "I just kept hearing in my head, my late wife saying, ‘Don’t be so protective, let her enjoy life, let her experience life,’" Odette said. "So, I took her over. It was about 9 p.m. when I dropped her off."

Tragedy struck swiftly. Minutes after returning home, Odette received a call informing him that Chrishia had been hit by a car while crossing the street. Police reports indicated that she was crossing outside of a designated crosswalk when the accident occurred. The driver, Ramiro Guevara, was identified as an illegal immigrant from Mexico. He was arrested by the Rockwall Police Department for driving without a license and for not having an operator’s license. Shockingly, records show he was released after posting a cash bond a mere 35 minutes after being booked.

Further investigation revealed a troubling history. According to ICE, Guevara had been encountered by Border Patrol on two separate occasions, in 1994 and 2004, and was voluntarily returned to Mexico both times. Adding to the complexity of the situation, there was an outstanding warrant for his arrest from the Texas Mesquite Police Department, dating back to 2010, for driving without a license and speeding.

Despite this history and the fatal accident, Guevara was released back into the community. A grand jury ultimately "no-billed" the case, determining that there was insufficient evidence to support criminal charges. "They said that because he had no drugs or alcohol in his system, there was no proof of negligence in his ability to operate the vehicle," Odette explained. "So, they wouldn’t charge him with any felonies. So, he was basically cleared of any wrongdoing for killing my daughter."

The legal limbo surrounding Guevara’s immigration status persisted for years. ICE records show that he filed a petition on March 10, 2016, seeking relief from removal. However, his petition was ultimately denied by an immigration judge on July 28, 2017, and he was ordered to be removed from the country on August 23, 2017.

The injustice of the situation gnawed at Odette. He couldn’t reconcile the fact that Guevara was able to continue living his life while his daughter was gone forever. "This guy is watching his children grow up while my daughter is dead," Odette said with palpable grief. "She would be 24 right now. She would have graduated college. She would start high school at 13. She was exceptionally intelligent, exceptionally talented. She was an amazing light. When my wife died, she’s the one that told me I needed to stop crying. She was the one that helped pull me back together instead of me being that rock for her."

Driven by a relentless pursuit of justice, Odette tirelessly contacted elected officials and advocates, seeking someone who would listen and take action. For years, his pleas seemed to fall on deaf ears. "If the laws were actually enforced the way they’re supposed to be, instead of trying to find an easy way to make life more comfortable for people who come across the border illegally, my daughter would be alive and thousands of others will be alive," Odette passionately stated.

Finally, his persistence began to yield results. Former U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, was moved by Odette’s story. In 2019, he spoke about Chrishia’s tragic death on the House floor, emphasizing the critical importance of securing the border. Odette also connected with Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who facilitated a meeting with border czar Tom Homan.

On March 26th, after years of unwavering dedication, Odette received the news he had been waiting for. ICE had arrested Guevara, who is now in ICE custody awaiting removal proceedings.

"I had told her when she was alive that if someone hurt her, there was no distance that I wouldn’t go to protect her," Odette said, his voice filled with emotion. "And I hope I see her again one day and I can look at her with an open heart and tell her dad did everything he could."

While the arrest does not bring Chrishia back, it provides a sense of closure and affirms Odette’s commitment to his daughter’s memory. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of illegal immigration and the importance of enforcing existing laws. It is a testament to the power of a father’s love and the unwavering pursuit of justice, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.