Families of two California teenagers killed by a twice-deported drunk driver are outraged as the undocumented immigrant responsible is set for release after serving just three years of his 10-year sentence.
At a Glance
- Oscar Eduardo Ortega Anguiano, an illegal immigrant with prior felonies who had been deported twice before, killed two 19-year-olds in a 2021 DUI crash
- Anguiano was sentenced to 10 years but is being released after just three years due to pre-sentence credits and rehabilitation program participation
- ICE has issued a detainer for his arrest upon release, but California’s sanctuary laws may complicate enforcement
- Federal authorities have filed a new felony immigration charge that could result in up to 20 years in prison
- The case has ignited debate over immigration enforcement and California’s criminal justice policies
Fatal DUI Crash and Early Release
In November 2021, Oscar Eduardo Ortega Anguiano was driving nearly 100 mph while drunk and high on drugs when he crashed into a vehicle carrying 19-year-olds Paul Osokin and Anya Varfolomeev in Orange County, California. The impact killed both teenagers instantly. Anguiano, who had multiple previous felonies and had been deported twice before, was convicted in spring 2022 of two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. He received two concurrent 10-year prison sentences, which the victims’ families already considered lenient for the deaths of their children.
Now, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has confirmed Anguiano will be released after serving just three years. Officials cited 334 days of pre-sentence credits for time served and additional credits earned through participation in rehabilitative programs as reasons for the early release. The announcement has devastated the families of the victims, who feel the justice system has failed them and disrespected the memory of their children.
Families Express Outrage
The parents of the victims have expressed profound grief and anger at the justice system’s handling of the case. Anatoly Varfolomeev, Anya’s father, described the emotional toll and sense of betrayal he feels at learning of Anguiano’s imminent release. “There are no words to describe that. It’s just, it’s relieving all the pain and it’s — and I feel betrayed by the system,” said Varfolomeev.
“It’s disgusting. You have two young, unbelievable future, productive American citizens killed for nothing and that illegal immigrant who already has been deported twice is going to be released again? For what? If even he is deported, he will come back,” said Anatoly Varfolomeev.
Pavel Osokin, Paul’s father, shared similar sentiments, questioning the logic behind the sentencing and early release. “Three years for killing two kids! It’s confusing to me. Why you give them 10 if they’re gonna spend five, and then three? Give them three in the beginning, at least we know what to expect. It’s sort of spitting in my face,” Osokin said. Both families fear Anguiano will simply re-enter the country illegally if deported, as he has done twice before.
Political Finger-Pointing and Federal Intervention
The case has sparked political controversy. Anya’s father blames Governor Gavin Newsom and the Biden administration for what he perceives as lax enforcement of immigration laws. Newsom’s office responded by pointing fingers at the “GOP district attorney” who allegedly offered Anguiano a plea deal rather than pursuing second-degree murder charges. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer quickly refuted this claim, stating that there was no plea deal but rather a court decision made over prosecutors’ objections.
“After being deported in 2013, this individual unlawfully re-entered the US & committed heinous crimes. A GOP DA then gave him a plea deal instead of pursuing 2nd-degree murder. CDCR will again coordinate with ICE—as they have w/ 10,000+ inmates—to transfer him before release,” stated Gavin Newsom’s office.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has issued a detainer requesting custody of Anguiano upon his release. However, California’s sanctuary state laws may complicate adherence to this detainer. In a significant development, U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli has filed a federal felony immigration charge against Anguiano for illegal reentry after deportation. If convicted on this charge, Anguiano could face up to 20 years in federal prison, potentially delivering the justice the families feel has been denied in the state system.
