Chris Odette’s Heartbreaking Journey: How a Veteran Lost His Entire Family and Fought for Justice for Over a Decade
Chris Odette, a veteran and single father from New Hampshire, faced an unimaginable tragedy when he lost his wife to breast cancer-and just 15 months later, his 13-year-old daughter Chrishia was killed by an illegal immigrant in a devastating hit-and-run. What was supposed to be a simple drop-off at a sleepover became the last time he ever hugged his daughter.
The Tragic Night That Changed Everything
In 2014, after moving to Rockwall, Texas, Chris hesitated but ultimately allowed Chrishia to attend a sleepover at her new school. Minutes after dropping her off around 9 p.m., he received the heartbreaking call: Chrishia had been struck by a car while crossing the street outside a crosswalk. The driver, Ramiro Guevara, an illegal immigrant from Mexico with a criminal history and prior Border Patrol encounters, was arrested but released on bond less than an hour later.
A Fight for Justice That Took Over a Decade
Despite Guevara’s release and a grand jury’s decision not to charge him with felonies, Chris Odette refused to give up. For over ten years, he tirelessly advocated for accountability, reaching out to elected officials and fighting against a system that allowed the driver to remain free. His daughter would have been 24 today-an intelligent, talented young woman whose life was cut short by a tragedy that could have been prevented.
The Breakthrough: ICE Finally Arrests Guevara
On March 26, 2025, after years of relentless pursuit, ICE arrested Ramiro Guevara, who is now in custody pending removal proceedings. Chris Odette’s decade-long battle for justice is finally seeing results, offering a glimmer of hope amid his heartbreaking loss.
Why Chris Odette’s Story Matters
Chris’s story shines a spotlight on the devastating human cost of lax immigration enforcement and the ripple effects on families left behind. It also underscores the resilience of a father determined to honor his daughter’s memory and demand justice, no matter how long it takes.
Chris Odette’s fight is far from over, but his journey reminds us all of the urgent need for accountability-and that behind every statistic is a family shattered by loss. Stay tuned for updates on this powerful story of loss, justice, and hope.