LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A now-20-year-old man accused of murdering a retired police officer in Las Vegas as part of a deadly crime spree when he was a teenager has agreed to plead guilty.
Jesus Ayala pleaded guilty to charges of second-degree murder, robbery, and battery with use of a deadly weapon, according to court records the 8 News Now Investigators obtained. The plea agreement specifies that the battery charge is through an Alford plea, meaning Ayala is not admitting guilt, but acknowledges that prosecutors may have enough evidence to lead to a conviction.
Ayala and his co-defendant, Jzamir Keys, 18, are accused of intentionally mowing down two bicyclists, including retired California police chief Andy Probst, 64, who died. The teenagers also took part in other crimes on Aug. 14, 2023, police said.
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Video is a key piece of evidence in the case as two bicyclists, including Probst, appear to have been intentionally hit in separate locations in the northwest valley. The other bicyclist survived.
Clark County District Court Judge Christy Craig found Ayala competent to stand trial on Feb. 28 after an evaluation at a mental health facility.
Ayala’s defense team and prosecutors have agreed to a sentence of 20 years to life, according to the plea agreement.
Because Ayala was a juvenile when the crimes were committed, by law, probation is mandatory after 20 years.
Keys is also expected to take a plea deal on Oct. 14, according to jail records.
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“This offer is contingent on co-defendant Jzamir Keys’ acceptance, adjudication and sentencing on his respective deal,” according to Ayala’s plea agreement.
Ayala’s sentencing was scheduled for Dec. 16.
Probst’s widow declined to comment at the time of this article’s publication.
To reach investigative reporter Vanessa Murphy, email vmurphy@8newsnow.com.
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