Two men who pleaded guilty to the murder of a retired police chief in Las Vegas were sentenced Tuesday in Clark County District Court.
Jesus Ayala, 20, was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison, while Jzamir Keys, 18, received a sentence of 18 years to life, according to court records.
Fatal Bicycle Crash Led to Murder Charges
Prosecutors said Ayala and Keys used a stolen vehicle to intentionally strike and kill Andreas Probst, the former police chief of Bell, California, while he was riding his bicycle in the Centennial Hills neighborhood of Las Vegas.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department initially classified the incident as a hit-and-run. However, murder charges were later filed after a video went viral that appeared to show the suspects deliberately running down Probst.
Investigators Describe Violent Crime Spree
Investigators said the killing occurred during a violent spree earlier that morning. Authorities allege the pair stole four vehicles and used them to target multiple victims, including other bicyclists and a driver, before Probst was killed.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed
Probst’s family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Ayala, Keys, and Hyundai. The lawsuit alleges a manufacturing defect made it easier for the suspects to steal the Hyundai Elantra involved in the fatal crash.