The teen driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run in Las Vegas allegedly told police he would be back on the streets in under a month. Jesus Ayala, who was just 18 at the time of the incident, is accused of deliberately crashing a stolen Hyundai Elantra into Andreas “Andy” Probst, a retired police chief who was riding his bike. Ayala made this statement while in custody, suggesting that he believed any potential punishment would be lenient.
Ayala was arrested shortly after the incident and was initially charged with a warrant and obstructing a peace officer, not yet facing hit-and-run charges. However, he is now facing 18 charges, including murder, attempted murder, and grand larceny. His alleged accomplice, Jzamir Keys, also 16 years old, is facing three charges.
The incident occurred as the two teenagers allegedly went on a crime spree, hitting a 72-year-old bicyclist, crashing into a Toyota Corolla, and eventually striking Probst. They then reportedly stole two more cars before crashing them into each other. Probst’s widow and daughter were in court for a hearing related to the case. Probst was thrown over the hood of the car and left to die.
Both teens have been charged as adults and could face severe sentences if convicted. Nevada law stipulates that if they are convicted in adult court of murder committed before they were 18, the most severe sentence they can receive is 20 years to life in state prison.
The case highlights concerns about juvenile offenders and the potential for lenient sentences, especially when they express a belief that their punishment will be minimal.
