Posted on: September 27, 2023, 01:21h.
Last updated on: September 27, 2023, 01:21h.
Two teenagers charged with murder for a fatal car crash in Las Vegas that killed a retired California police chief are being held without bail as they await court proceedings.
Jesus Ayala, 18, was identified as the driver responsible for striking the chief on August 14 near Tenaya Way and Centennial Parkway, about 16 miles from the Las Vegas Strip.
He was arrested on the day of the crash and faces several charges, including murder, attempted murder, battery with use of a deadly weapon, leaving the scene of an accident, and larceny and burglary counts. Ayala is currently in custody at the Clark County Detention Center after being held in a juvenile facility.
Despite being 17 at the time of the crime, Ayala will be tried as an adult.
According to a report from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), Ayala boasted to an officer shortly after his arrest, claiming he would receive a “slap on the wrist” and be released within 30 days.
Jzamir Keys, 16, a passenger in the car, was charged on September 19 with murder, attempted murder, and battery charges related to the crime spree. After initially being held in a juvenile facility, Keys is set to be transferred to an adult jail.
Police discovered that Keys recorded the collision, and the video has since gone viral. Both teenagers were seen laughing about the deadly crash.
The victim, retired police chief Andreas “Andy” Probst, 64, was riding a bicycle when Ayala allegedly intentionally drove into him.
Probst sustained critical injuries and was pronounced dead at University Medical Center. He formerly served as the chief of the Bell, Calif. police department.
Statements from Suspects’ Mothers
“I don’t know why he did this,” said Ayala’s mother in an interview with Las Vegas TV station KLAS. “I don’t know if God can forgive this.”
“My son’s side of the story will be told, ‘the truth,’ not the inaccuracies the media will try to portray,” Keys’ mother stated in a text message to KLAS.
Both teens were involved in an earlier car crash with a 72-year-old cyclist on Fort Apache Road near Washburn Road in Las Vegas. The cyclist survived the incident, with Keys driving the car and Ayala as a passenger.
Prior to striking Probst on his bicycle, the teenagers were also involved in another vehicle collision. They are also accused of stealing four cars.
Ayala is scheduled to appear in court on October 10, while Keys is set to appear on November 8.
Unlikely to Receive Death Penalty
If found guilty, the teenagers are unlikely to face the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole due to their young ages.
Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson has expressed the intention to consult with the Death Penalty Committee regarding a potential death sentence.
Keys is being represented by Las Vegas-based attorney Dan Hill, who specializes in criminal cases. Ayala is represented by David Westbrook from the local public defender’s office.
“We are devastated by the senseless murder of Andy,” said Taylor Probst, the daughter of the deceased, in a statement to KLAS. “Andy’s life was taken by two individuals who did not value the lives of others.”