Jesus Barraza was driving double the speed limit when he plowed into 17-year-old Devin Heath, an aspiring firefighter who was crossing the street in Las Vegas last year. On Wednesday, a judge sentenced Barraza to probation — no jail time.
Background
The deadly crash occurred in March 2024 on a residential street in Las Vegas. Prosecutors said Barraza, then 20 years old, was drag racing when he struck Heath, who was walking across the roadway. According to trial testimony, Barraza's speed continued increasing until the moment of impact. The teenager had been just months away from graduating high school and had aspirations of becoming a firefighter.
Devin Heath was described by family members as a young man with dreams of serving his community. His father, Raymond Heath, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that his son had plans to pursue firefighting after completing his education.
"Let's all go out and run people over and kill them and just get probation," Raymond Heath said following the sentencing. "Let's make Las Vegas as dangerous as possible, because nothing's going to happen."
The Charges
Barraza was convicted by a Clark County jury of reckless driving resulting in death after an hour of deliberations. Prosecutors had requested the maximum sentence of 28 to 72 months in prison, arguing Barraza represented a danger to the community.
"The message that was sent is that you can go and drive recklessly on the road here in the valley, go over double the speed limit, you can take a young child's life and you can get probation," said Deputy District Attorney Corey Hallquist.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Chad Lexis called the court's decision "disheartening and shocking" in a statement. "Unfortunately, the judge believed that this case was deserving of probation."
"You are a child and you killed a child and I know it wasn't intentional," the judge told Barraza during sentencing. "This is your one shot."
In addition to probation, Barraza received an underlying suspended sentence of 28 to 72 months. His conditions include a curfew, restitution payments, maintaining employment, completing a driver's safety class, and performing 100 hours of community service.
"I feel like that was outrageous. That was disrespectful to my son, to our family," Raymond Heath told KLAS. "He basically just got a slap on the wrist."
Key Takeaways
- Jesus Barraza, 21, sentenced to probation after conviction for reckless driving resulting in death
- Barraza was drag racing and traveling double the speed limit when he struck Devin Heath, 17
- Prosecutors sought 28-72 months imprisonment; judge imposed no jail time
- Victim was an aspiring firefighter months from graduating high school
- Barraza must serve 100 hours community service, maintain employment, pay restitution
What's Next
Barraza will serve his probation under Clark County supervision. Any violation could trigger the underlying suspended sentence of 28 to 72 months in prison.