Illegal immigrant convicted of killing teens in high-speed crash to be released early
The families of the victims of a tragic high-speed car crash in Orange County, California, are pleading with the state to keep an illegal immigrant convicted felon behind bars. Oscar Eduardo Ortega-Anguiano, 43, caused the deadly crash in November 2021, driving drunk, high, and speeding at nearly 100mph on the 405 freeway. The collision claimed the lives of young couple Anya Varfolomeev and Nicholay Osokin, both just 19 years old, who tragically burned alive in the wreckage.
Ortega-Anguiano was convicted in 2022 on two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. However, he is expected to be released from prison over six years before his sentence is up, prompting outrage and anguish from the families of the victims. Anatoly Varfolomeev, Anya’s father, expressed his disgust at the prospect of Ortega-Anguiano being set free, emphasizing that his daughter’s room remains untouched since her untimely death.
The case is further complicated by Ortega-Anguiano’s status as an illegal immigrant with a criminal history. Prior to the fatal crash, he had multiple felonies on his record, including convictions for driving without a license. Border czar Tom Homan has pledged to honor the ICE detainer placed on Ortega-Anguiano, ensuring that he will be swiftly placed into federal custody upon his release.
Despite the efforts of ICE, concerns remain about California’s sanctuary laws and whether the state will adhere to the detainer. The families of the victims fear that even if Ortega-Anguiano is deported, he may find a way to re-enter the country, as he has done twice before. They view his potential early release as a betrayal and a slap in the face, given the severity of his crimes and the devastating impact on their lives.
The families are calling for justice and accountability, questioning the fairness of a justice system that allows a convicted felon to be released prematurely. Pavel Osokin, Nicholay’s father, expressed his hope that Ortega-Anguiano will remain behind bars, serving out his full sentence and ultimately being deported from the country. The families are united in their grief and their desire to see Ortega-Anguiano held accountable for his actions.
As the release date draws near, the families are left grappling with a sense of injustice and betrayal. They are determined to fight for justice for Anya and Nicholay, advocating for stricter enforcement of immigration laws and harsher penalties for those who commit such heinous crimes. The tragic loss of two young lives has left a lasting impact on their families and the community, underscoring the need for accountability and reform in the criminal justice system.
