LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Nearly a year later, Devin Heath’s family is still waiting for the man arrested in connection with his death to face trial.
Devin Heath was preparing to graduate from Las Vegas High School when his life was cut short. Las Vegas Metro Police arrested 19-year-old Jesus Barraza and charged him with reckless driving resulting in death.
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Clark County Deputy District Attorney Yu Meng has been speaking on behalf of the family in court.
“To properly reflect the victim’s wishes in this case I would ask the state to invoke the 60-day speedy trial,” Meng said. “I just don’t want this to drag on, reflecting the victim’s wishes in this case. They’ve shown up to every single court date.”
Barraza has pleaded not guilty to the charge of reckless driving resulting in death.
According to police, Barraza was driving at more than twice the speed limit, when he crashed his 2002 Chevrolet Silverado into Heath. Heath was reportedly crossing Tree Line Drive near Sahara Avenue and Hollywood Boulevard late at night.
Police said Barraza attempted to leave the scene but was stopped by another vehicle.
In an email to 8 News Now, Heath’s mother, Martina Suyat, expressed her frustration, questioning, where is the justice when Barraza is allowed to walk free while Heath is buried six feet under.
“The victim’s family are absolutely distraught over this case. This case was caught on camera. The black box was extrapolated from the car, so all the information is made available to the defense,” Meng said.
Devin’s father Raymond Heath spoke to 8 News Now two days after his son’s death.
“They had my son on the ground, trying to do CPR, trying to revive him. I ran up immediately, I grabbed his head, I started screaming his name,” Raymond Heath said.
Barraza is scheduled to go to trial on May 12.
In July, Devin Heath’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Jesus Barraza. Court records reveal that in December, Heath’s estate was awarded a $112 million judgment.
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