One of the two teenagers charged in the deliberate hit-and-run death of a retired police chief in Las Vegas has been deemed unfit to stand trial and transferred to a psychiatric facility for evaluation.
**Las Vegas, NV** - Jesus Ayala, now 19, has been moved from a juvenile detention center to a secure Nevada psychiatric facility, suspending criminal charges against him. The court order mandates evaluation, treatment, and a possible trial if Ayala regains competence.
The charges stem from the tragic death of Andreas "Andy" Probst, 64, a former police chief of the Los Angeles suburb of Bell, on August 14, 2023. Probst was cycling on a Las Vegas road when he was struck from behind by a stolen Hyundai Elantra driven by Ayala, allegedly leaving Probst fatally injured on the roadside.
Tragic Hit-and-Run: Teenager Found Unfit to Stand Trial in Murder of Retired Police Chief
A chilling video captured on an iPhone by Ayala's giggling passenger, Jzamir Keys, then 16, shows the moment of impact. "Ready?" the driver inquires before the vehicle veers into the bike lane, striking Probst. "Yeah, yeah, yeah, hit his a--," the passenger urges before recording the collision.
After the impact, the passenger exclaims, "Damn, that n---- got knocked out!" while the driver panics and flees the scene. Probst was taken to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Tragic Hit-and-Run: Teenager Found Unfit to Stand Trial in Murder of Retired Police Chief
Ayala was arrested later that day and allegedly bragged to an officer that he would receive a lenient sentence under juvenile law. "I'll be out in thirty days," he reportedly said. The officer countered, "You might be out of juvie in thirty days and moved to an adult jail, because that's how bad it is."
According to an incident report, Ayala lacked remorse for Probst's death, stating, "It's just a, f------, ah, hit-and-run. Slap on the wrist."
Tragic Hit-and-Run: Teenager Found Unfit to Stand Trial in Murder of Retired Police Chief
Keys was apprehended days later after sharing the disturbing footage with friends on Instagram, leading to its circulation within their local high school.
Ayala and Keys, now 17, initially pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges. Keys remains in juvenile detention awaiting trial.
Tragic Hit-and-Run: Teenager Found Unfit to Stand Trial in Murder of Retired Police Chief
The tragedy has left Probst's family and community in mourning. His wife, Crystal, and two children are devastated by his loss.
Investigators believe the attack was deliberate and are seeking to understand the motivations behind such a senseless act. The case highlights the need for stricter penalties for violent crimes committed by juveniles.
As the legal process continues, the community awaits closure and justice for the slain retired police chief.
