A man convicted of killing two teenagers in a high-speed drunk driving crash is set to be released from prison after serving only a fraction of his sentence, sparking public outrage and renewed calls for stricter immigration enforcement.
Oscar Eduardo Ortega-Anguiano, previously deported twice, was convicted in 2022 for the deaths of 19-year-olds Anya Varfolomeev and Nicholay Osokin. The crash occurred on a California freeway when Ortega-Anguiano, driving at nearly 100 mph while intoxicated, slammed into their vehicle, causing it to burst into flames.
Although sentenced to 10 years for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, he is scheduled for release this July after earning credits that reduced his prison time to just over three years. His extensive criminal history includes burglary, auto theft, and domestic violence, and he had already been deported twice before the fatal incident.
Federal authorities are now stepping in, filing additional immigration-related charges that could keep him behind bars for up to 20 more years. ICE has issued a detainer to take custody upon his release from state prison.
Families of the victims expressed frustration and disbelief, calling the early release a failure of the justice system and warning of the dangers of potential reentry should deportation follow without further action.