A 21-year-old Las Vegas man convicted of causing the death of a 17-year-old aspiring firefighter while allegedly street racing has been sentenced to probation instead of prison, prompting sharp criticism from the victim’s family and prosecutors.
Jesus Barraza was sentenced Wednesday after a jury found him guilty of reckless driving resulting in death for the March 2024 crash that killed Devin Heath, a high school student who was preparing to graduate and hoped to become a firefighter.
Jury Convicted Driver After Brief Deliberation
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, jurors deliberated for about one hour before returning a guilty verdict against Barraza.
Prosecutors had asked the court to impose the maximum prison sentence of 28 to 72 months, arguing that the severity of the crash warranted incarceration.
Instead, the court placed Barraza on probation, meaning he will not serve any immediate jail time.
Judge Imposes Probation With Strict Conditions
Although Barraza avoided prison, the judge ordered an underlying suspended prison sentence of 28 to 72 months, which could be enforced if he violates probation.
Under the terms of his probation, Barraza must:
- Follow a court-ordered curfew.
- Pay restitution.
- Maintain employment.
- Complete a driver’s safety course.
- Perform 100 hours of community service.
During the sentencing hearing, the judge addressed Barraza directly, saying:
“You are a child and you killed a child and I know it wasn’t intentional. This is your one shot.”
Prosecutors Say Speed Continued to Increase Before Impact
During the trial, prosecutors argued that Barraza was participating in a drag race on a Las Vegas street before the fatal collision.
Deputy District Attorney Afan Tarar told jurors that Barraza’s speed kept increasing until the moment he struck Devin Heath.
Prosecutors also argued that Barraza never attempted to brake before the collision, describing his actions as highly reckless.
At sentencing, prosecutors characterized Barraza as “a danger to this community,” pointing to his driving behavior on the night of the crash.
Victim Was Pursuing Dream of Becoming Firefighter
Devin Heath was 17 years old when he was killed while crossing the street in March 2024.
According to his family, he was only months away from graduating high school and planned to pursue a career as a firefighter.
His death devastated his family, who had hoped the court would impose a prison sentence.
Father Says Justice Was Not Served
Following the sentencing, Devin’s father, Raymond Heath, strongly criticized the judge’s decision.
Speaking to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, he said:
“Let’s all go out and run people over and kill them and just get probation. Let’s make Las Vegas as dangerous as possible, because nothing’s going to happen.”
He added that he did not believe justice had been served.
After the hearing, Heath also spoke with local CBS affiliate KLAS, calling the punishment inadequate.
“I feel like that was outrageous. That was disrespectful to my son, to our family. He basically just got a slap on the wrist.”
He further argued that the sentence sends the message that someone can drive at more than twice the speed limit, pass through school zones near a park, kill another person, and still avoid prison.
“I got a dead son, and this man gets to go home,” Heath said.
Prosecutors Also Voice Disappointment
Clark County prosecutors expressed frustration with the outcome.
Deputy District Attorney Corey Hallquist said the sentence sends the wrong message to reckless drivers by suggesting that someone can drive at more than double the speed limit, cause a fatal crash, and receive probation.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Chad Lexis also criticized the ruling, calling it “disheartening and shocking.”
In a statement, Lexis said both the prosecution and the victim’s family were extremely disappointed that the court chose probation rather than imprisonment.
The case has generated significant public attention in Las Vegas, with renewed debate over sentencing in fatal street racing cases. Barraza remains on probation under court supervision and could face the suspended prison sentence if he fails to comply with its conditions.
