Two young men have been handed lengthy prison sentences after admitting to the deliberate killing of a retired police chief during a shocking crime spree in Las Vegas.
Sentencing and Plea Deals
Jesus Ayala, 20, and Jzamir Keys, 18, were sentenced on Tuesday in Clark County District Court, Nevada. Both had pleaded guilty to the murder of Andreas Probst, a 64-year-old retired police chief from California. Ayala accepted a plea deal resulting in a sentence of 20 years to life, while Keys received 18 years to life as part of his agreement. Nevada law prohibits the death penalty for crimes committed as minors, which was the case for both defendants.
A Deliberate and Filmed Attack
The fatal incident occurred on August 14, 2023. Graphic video evidence, filmed from inside the perpetrators' car, shows a dashboard view as a 2016 Hyundai Elantra approaches Probst from behind while he was cycling near the curb on a quiet road. Laughter and goading comments are audible before the vehicle strikes him. Ayala was identified as the driver, and Keys was the passenger who recorded the horrific act.
The crash was initially treated as a hit-and-run, but murder charges were added by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police after the video circulated widely. The footage left little doubt that the act was intentional.
A Life Destroyed and a Wider Crime Spree
Crystal Probst, the widow of the chief, spoke powerfully in court about her loss. "My world was destroyed," she said. "Not damaged. Not shaken. Destroyed and every single day since Andy was murdered, I wake up feeling like I'm asked to live a life I no longer recognize." The Probst family stated they were informed of the plea deals and supported them, with Crystal adding that choosing peace over prolonged suffering was an act of strength.
Investigators revealed the attack on Probst was part of a wider, escalating crime spree that morning. The teenagers were involved in stealing four cars and also struck a 72-year-old bicyclist, who survived. Judge Bluth remarked, "This was so much more than a joyride. It just kept going and going and escalating with more people getting hurt."
Legal Complications and Further Charges
The case faced delays after Ayala was found incompetent to stand trial in October 2023. He was transferred to a maximum-security psychiatric facility but was later deemed competent by a judge. Ayala also faces a separate attempted murder charge for allegedly stabbing a man in the face in June 2023, with the victim identifying him after his arrest for Probst's murder.
In addition to the criminal proceedings, the Probst family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Hyundai. They allege a defect in the 2016 Hyundai Elantra's anti-theft system enabled the teens to steal the car used in the attack. A separate suit has been filed against the teenagers themselves.
Due to their age at the time of the crime, both Ayala and Keys will be eligible for parole after serving 20 years.
