Las Vegas man sentenced in hit-and-run that killed 12-year-old boy

Oh'Ryan Brooks receives 7-17 years in prison after accepting plea deal in DUI crash that took Cristofer Suarez's life.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 6:55pm

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An extreme close-up of a shattered car side mirror reflecting the faint outline of a child's shoe, creating a stark, gritty visual metaphor for the tragic consequences of a fatal hit-and-run incident.The aftermath of a deadly hit-and-run crash exposes the human toll of impaired driving and the fragility of young lives lost too soon.Las Vegas Today

A 35-year-old Las Vegas man has been sentenced to 7-17 years in prison for a hit-and-run crash that killed a 12-year-old boy on his way to school last October. Oh'Ryan Brooks accepted a plea deal to a lesser charge of duty to stop after admitting to smoking marijuana before the incident and fleeing the scene.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences of impaired driving and the challenges prosecutors face in securing appropriate sentences, especially when defendants accept plea deals. The death of a young student on his way to school has deeply impacted the local community.

The details

According to police, on the morning of October 3, 2026, 12-year-old Cristofer Suarez was crossing the street to go to Mariachi practice when he was struck by a vehicle driven by Oh'Ryan Brooks. Brooks admitted to smoking marijuana earlier that morning before the crash. Suarez was rushed to the hospital but died two days later on October 5. Brooks initially fled the scene but later turned himself in to authorities.

  • The crash occurred on Friday, October 3, 2026, just before 8 a.m.
  • Cristofer Suarez passed away on Monday, October 5, 2026 after being on life support at UMC.
  • On February 23, 2027, Brooks accepted a plea deal to a lesser charge of duty to stop.

The players

Oh'Ryan Brooks

A 35-year-old Las Vegas resident who was charged with a hit-and-run crash that killed a 12-year-old boy and later accepted a plea deal.

Cristofer Suarez

A 12-year-old Las Vegas boy who was killed in a hit-and-run crash while on his way to school for Mariachi practice.

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What’s next

The judge will determine the exact length of Oh'Ryan Brooks' prison sentence within the 7-17 year range at a future hearing.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for stronger enforcement and harsher penalties for impaired driving, especially when it results in the loss of an innocent young life. It also raises questions about plea bargaining practices and whether they adequately serve the interests of victims' families and community safety.