Jesus Barraza was drag racing through Las Vegas streets when he doubled the speed limit and slammed into 17-year-old Devin Heath, an aspiring firefighter who had been crossing the road. Barraza, now 21, walked out of court a free man Wednesday after a jury convicted him of reckless driving resulting in death — with no jail time.
Background
Devin Heath was months away from graduating high school when tragedy struck in March 2024. The teenager had dreams of becoming a firefighter, according to family members who spoke to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. He was crossing a street in Las Vegas when Barraza, drag racing at excessive speeds, lost control and struck him.
Prosecutors presented evidence during trial that Barraza had been engaged in illegal street racing before the collision. 'His speed was going up the whole time until he finally collided with the victim,' Deputy District Attorney Afan Tarar told jurors. The jury deliberated for approximately one hour before finding Barraza guilty.
The Charges
Barraza faced a single count of reckless driving resulting in death, a felony conviction that carries potential prison time of 28 to 72 months under Nevada law. Prosecutors requested the maximum sentence, arguing that Barraza's behavior demonstrated a blatant disregard for human life.
Clark County District Court Judge Lawrence K. Semret had different plans. In addition to probation, the judge imposed an underlying suspended sentence of 28 to 72 months — meaning prison time hangs over Barraza's head only if he violates his probation conditions. His terms include maintaining employment, a curfew, restitution payments, completion of a driver's safety course and 100 hours of community service.
'You are a child and you killed a child and I know it wasn't intentional,' the judge told Barraza during sentencing, according to court proceedings. 'This is your one shot.'
Key Takeaways
- Devin Heath was 17 years old and an aspiring firefighter when Barraza struck him while street racing at double the speed limit
- Jesus Barraza, now 21, received probation with no jail time despite prosecutors requesting 28 to 72 months in prison
- A Clark County jury found Barraza guilty of reckless driving resulting in death after approximately one hour of deliberation
- The judge imposed a suspended sentence of 28 to 72 months that could be activated if Barraza violates probation terms
- Barraza's probation conditions include restitution, driver's safety course, 100 hours community service and maintaining employment
What's Next
The victim's family has expressed outrage at the sentencing outcome. Raymond Heath, Devin's father, told KLAS-TV he found the sentence 'outrageous' and 'disrespectful to my son, to our family.' The Clark County District Attorney's office indicated they are reviewing options regarding the sentence.
Prosecutors noted that Barraza will serve five years of probation under the terms set by Judge Semret. Any violation could trigger activation of the suspended prison sentence.