LOGIN

Two Teenagers Appear in Las Vegas Adult Court for Charges in Fatal Hit-and-Run Involving Bicyclist

by Gabriel Martinez
8 comments
Fatal hit-and-run

Two adolescents briefly attended their initial hearings in an adult court in Las Vegas on Thursday. The prosecutor announced they will face multiple charges, including murder and attempted murder, for purportedly recording themselves on video deliberately colliding a stolen vehicle with a cyclist on the roadside, subsequently leading to his death.

Appearing individually, the 18-year-old and 16-year-old defendants stood before a judge, who scheduled each for another hearing next Tuesday at Las Vegas Justice Court. No statements were made by either of the teens, nor were they asked to enter pleas. Both are currently being detained without the possibility of bail.

Earlier this week, authorities revealed that the accumulated evidence indicates both teenagers were jointly implicated in a minimum of three hit-and-run episodes on the morning of August 14. Among these was the fatal crash involving Andreas “Andy” Probst, a 64-year-old retired police chief hailing from the Los Angeles-area municipality of Bell.

The news outlet has opted not to disclose the identities of the teenagers due to their ages.

Both cases are progressing separately, as the older defendant was arrested on the day of the incidents facing charges tied to fatal hit-and-run and unauthorized possession of a motor vehicle. The younger was arrested this past Tuesday on suspicions of murder and other related offenses, following the widespread circulation of the bicycle crash video online.

Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson spoke to the media, confirming that the duo would face an array of charges including open murder and attempted murder. Prosecutors intend to consolidate the cases and are advocating for high bail pending the trial, citing the defendants as public threats.

Under the statutes of Nevada law, neither defendant is eligible for the death penalty. If convicted in adult court for a murder committed before turning 18, the harshest penalty they could receive ranges from 20 years to life imprisonment.

The older teenager was represented by attorney David Westbrook, a public defender, who chose not to comment on the case but verified his client had turned 18 while in custody. The judge informed the 16-year-old that legal representation would be appointed for him during his next court appearance.

Members of the deceased victim’s family, including his widow Crystal Probst and daughter Taylor Probst, attended the hearing but left promptly after its conclusion without speaking to the media. Taylor Probst had previously made public comments during a police press conference on Tuesday.

The incriminating video, filmed from the front passenger seat, captures the moments leading up to the deadly collision with Probst. Male voices can be audibly heard laughing in the vehicle as it steers towards Probst, striking him and causing him to flip backward over the car hood and into the windshield before landing next to the curb.

The authorities were initially unaware of the video’s existence until it was provided to them by a high school resource officer two weeks after the incident. Subsequently, a search was initiated for the individual who filmed the event.

District Attorney Wolfson refrained from confirming whether the police had acquired the cellphone that allegedly contained the recorded video.

According to the police account, the teenagers were first involved in striking a 72-year-old cyclist while driving a stolen Hyundai sedan. They then crashed into a Toyota Corolla and fled the scene before eventually colliding with Probst.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Fatal hit-and-run

What charges do the teenagers face?

The teenagers face multiple charges, including open murder, attempted murder, and other related offenses, according to Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson. They are scheduled for further hearings in Las Vegas Justice Court.

Are the teenagers being tried as adults?

Yes, the teenagers, ages 18 and 16, are making their initial appearances in an adult court in Las Vegas. They are currently being detained without the possibility of bail.

Why are the teens held without bail?

Both teenagers are held without bail as they are considered a danger to the community, as stated by the District Attorney. Prosecutors are also advocating for high bail pending trial.

Will the teenagers face the death penalty if convicted?

No, under Nevada law, neither defendant is eligible for the death penalty. If convicted in adult court for a murder committed before turning 18, the harshest penalty they could receive ranges from 20 years to life imprisonment.

Are the cases of the two teenagers related?

Yes, both cases are connected and involve the same set of incidents, including a minimum of three hit-and-run episodes on the morning of August 14. The prosecutor intends to consolidate the cases for trial.

Who was the victim in the fatal bicycle crash?

The victim in the fatal bicycle crash was Andreas “Andy” Probst, a 64-year-old retired police chief from the Los Angeles-area city of Bell.

What evidence do the authorities have against the teenagers?

Authorities have a video that was allegedly recorded by the teenagers themselves, showing them intentionally hitting the cyclist. Additionally, they are implicated in at least two other hit-and-run incidents.

Is there any family of the victim involved in the court proceedings?

Yes, the widow and daughter of the deceased victim, Andreas “Andy” Probst, attended the initial hearing but did not speak to the media.

What happens next in the legal proceedings?

Both teenagers are scheduled to appear again for further hearings next Tuesday in Las Vegas Justice Court.

Have the teenagers been represented by legal counsel?

The older teenager has legal representation through a public defender. The younger teenager will have an attorney appointed at his next court appearance.

More about Fatal hit-and-run

  • Clark County District Attorney’s Office
  • Nevada State Laws on Juvenile Crime
  • Las Vegas Justice Court Information
  • Hit-and-Run Laws in Nevada
  • Understanding Bail Procedures in Nevada

You may also like

8 comments

JohnDoe September 22, 2023 - 10:30 am

Wow, this is really something. Cant believe teens would do such a thing, just shows you never really know people.

Reply
EmilyH September 22, 2023 - 1:06 pm

Can’t wrap my head around this. Hitting a 72-year-old and then a retired police chief? Hope they get what’s coming to them.

Reply
RobertQ September 22, 2023 - 8:15 pm

Look at the ripple effects of this one act. Families are destroyed on both sides. What were these kids thinking?

Reply
MikeT September 22, 2023 - 8:28 pm

Justice better be served here, and I mean the full extent of it. These kids are dangerous, not just reckless.

Reply
VickyS September 23, 2023 - 1:41 am

Is there any update on the other hit-and-runs? The article says they’re implicated in at least 3. That’s insane.

Reply
TomR September 23, 2023 - 1:56 am

Why they arent eligible for the death penalty? oh right they’re minors. but still, this is extreme and they knew what they were doing.

Reply
Sarah_91 September 23, 2023 - 3:49 am

It’s so heartbreaking to hear about the victim. A retired police chief, that’s really sad. What’s going on with our youth today?

Reply
AnnaK September 23, 2023 - 4:23 am

Unbelievable! Recording such a horrendous act? They better face the maximum penalty, no bail makes complete sense here.

Reply

Leave a Comment

logo-site-white

BNB - Big Big News is a news portal that offers the latest news from around the world. BNB - Big Big News focuses on providing readers with the most up-to-date information from the U.S. and abroad, covering a wide range of topics, including politics, sports, entertainment, business, health, and more.

newsletter

Editors' Picks

US Adds 209,000 Jobs in June, Demonstrating Resilient Economy

Thrill Seekers Flock to Spain’s San Fermin Festival for First Running of the Bulls Security Incident Involving Britney Spears and Spurs Rookie Victor Wembanyama in Las Vegas Introducing Threads: Meta’s Answer to Twitter—All Your Questions Answered

Latest News

New Laws Criminalizing Voter Assistance Specifically Target Asian Americans Thrill Seekers Flock to Spain’s San Fermin Festival for... US Adds 209,000 Jobs in June, Demonstrating Resilient Economy Biden launches a new push to limit health care...

© 2023 BBN - Big Big News

Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube Envelope