In November 2021, a tragedy unfolded on the 405 freeway in Seal Beach, California.
Nineteen-year-olds Anya Varfolomeev and Nikolay Osokin lost their lives in a crash caused by a driver who was under the influence of both alcohol and drugs.
That driver was Oscar Eduardo Ortega-Anguiano.
According to reports, Ortega-Anguiano was driving nearly 100 miles per hour when the crash occurred.
The impact was so violent, it caused Anya and Nicholay’s vehicle to burst into flames. Both teens died at the scene.
This wasn’t Ortega-Anguiano’s first run-in with the law. He had been deported twice before, once in 2016 and again in 2018.
His rap sheet included burglary in 2005, vehicle theft in 2007, battery on a spouse with kidnapping in 2014, and multiple convictions for driving without a license.
Despite all that, he managed to re-enter the country illegally and was back on the roads.
He was sentenced to two 10-year prison terms, but under California law they were served at the same time — not back-to-back. That meant a total of 10 years behind bars.
Then came the good behavior credits, plus nearly a year of time served before trial. Put it all together, and he’s now eligible for release in July 2025.
After serving only 3½ years!
Understandably, this news has been painful for the families of Anya and Nikolay.
Anya’s father, Anatoly Varfolomeev, called the early release “disgusting.” Nicholay’s dad, Pavel Osokin, said it felt like “spitting in my face.”
They’ve filed lawsuits and are still seeking justice, but no court ruling can bring back their children.
For many, it’s hard to understand how someone responsible for such a loss can be out so soon.
However, there is a glimmer of accountability.
In June 2022, federal immigration officials placed a detainer on Ortega-Anguiano, meaning he’ll be handed over to ICE instead of released into the public.
The U.S. Department of Justice has also charged him with felony illegal reentry, which could carry up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted.
So, there’s a chance he won’t go free after all — at least not right away.
As Fox News reporter Bill Melugin pointed out, this case has sparked a great deal of discussion—not only about the early release itself but also about the systems that allowed this situation to happen in the first place.
This is absolutely unconscionable.
What about Justice for these teens? What about the rights of their parents?@TheJusticeDept will work with ICE to make sure this illegal alien receives full punishment for his crimes. https://t.co/vDvmw4z7M7
— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) April 23, 2025
On social media, people have voiced their frustration, and much of that frustration is focused on what seems like a lack of accountability from both immigration authorities and the justice system.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s office issued a statement confirming that the state will honor ICE’s detainer and transfer Ortega-Anguiano into federal custody.
His office also pointed to Orange County’s District Attorney, Todd Spitzer, saying a tougher charge — like second-degree murder — could have led to a longer sentence.
But Spitzer fired back, saying there was no plea deal.
Ortega-Anguiano pleaded guilty directly to the court, and prosecutors had in fact pushed for the maximum penalty.
Spitzer blamed California’s own laws — and the Governor — for the light sentence and early release.
Critics of the current system argue that we must do more to keep repeat offenders—especially those with a history of illegal reentry—off the streets.
State Senator Brian W. Jones introduced a bill (SB554) that would require law enforcement to cooperate with ICE in cases involving violent undocumented criminals.
Supporters say it’s a step in the right direction — one that might stop a tragedy like this from happening again.
This isn’t about politics—it’s about people.
Two young lives ended far too soon. Their families deserved to see justice done in full.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
