In 2014, 13-year-old Chrishia Odette was struck and killed by an illegal Mexican immigrant while crossing a street in Rockwall, Texas. Her father, Chris Odette—a U.S. military veteran and single father after losing his wife to breast cancer—spent over a decade tirelessly seeking justice. This week, his efforts bore fruit: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed the arrest of Ramiro Guevara, the man responsible for the fatal incident, who had remained free for years despite multiple legal violations.
A Preventable Tragedy
The tragedy unfolded when Chrishia attended a sleepover. Later that evening, while attempting to cross the street, she was hit by a vehicle driven by Ramiro Guevara, an illegal immigrant from Mexico. According to ICE, Guevara had been encountered by Border Patrol twice before—voluntarily returning to Mexico in 1994 and 2004—and had an outstanding 2010 warrant from the Mesquite Police Department for driving without a license and speeding.
Despite this history, Guevara was released back into the community following the deadly crash in 2014. A grand jury ultimately «no-billed» the case, meaning the jury decided there wasn’t enough evidence to support criminal charges.
A Father’s Unyielding Promise
Chris Odette had already endured the loss of his wife to breast cancer 15 months prior to Chrishia’s death. He had promised her he would always protect their daughter. This vow became his mission: to bring Ramiro Guevara to justice and highlight the legal loopholes that allowed an individual with such a record to remain free in the U.S.
«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,» Odette said in an interview. «I made a promise to my wife before she died that I would take care of our daughter, and I 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 national, who had been living freely in the U.S. despite a 2017 deportation order. Guevara had filed a petition for relief from removal in 2016, which was denied in 2017, and he was subsequently ordered removed on August 23, 2017. He failed to appear for his removal proceedings and remained at large until his recent arrest.
Guevara is currently in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
A Symbol of a Broken Immigration System
The case of Chrishia Odette has been highlighted by organizations advocating for stricter immigration laws and by conservative leaders pointing to systemic failures in immigration enforcement. Chris Odette has shared his story in various forums, including Congress, advocating for more stringent laws and increased resources for ICE. His testimony has resonated with many citizens demanding justice for victims affected by lapses in immigration enforcement.
Conclusion: How Many More Lives?
The arrest of Guevara marks a significant milestone in a father’s relentless pursuit of justice. However, it also raises a pressing question: How many more lives must be lost before immigration laws are effectively enforced? Chrishia’s case is not isolated; it underscores the dire consequences of allowing individuals with criminal backgrounds to remain in the country unlawfully.
As Chris Odette poignantly stated, «This is not just my story. It’s the story of many families who have been abandoned by the system. But if I can do anything with my pain, it’s to prevent another girl like Chrishia from being forgotten by her country.»
