LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Oh'Ryan Brooks was sentenced to a minimum of seven years in prison on Monday after pleading guilty to a hit-and-run crash that resulted in the death of 12-year-old Cristofer Suarez last fall.
Judge Maria Gall issued the sentence in a Clark County courtroom, emphasizing the need for accountability in light of the crime. Brooks, 26, will serve a term of 7 to 17.5 years in the Nevada Department of Corrections, with credit for 186 days already served. He must also pay nearly $7,000 in restitution.
Brooks had sought a lesser sentence of two to five years, but the judge rejected this request, citing the severity of the incident. Suarez's mother, Martina, made an emotional appeal for the maximum sentence, stating, “Nothing will bring my son back… Please don't let him get away with killing my son.”
The incident occurred on October 3, 2022, when Suarez was struck while walking to J.D. Smith Middle School. Prosecutors allege Brooks was under the influence of marijuana at the time of the collision and fled the scene, leaving the child with fatal injuries.
Brooks expressed remorse in court, claiming the accident was caused by an earlier collision that cracked his windshield, though this assertion was disputed by both prosecutors and his attorney.
According to reports, Brooks admitted to leaving the scene as part of a plea deal, which included a recommended sentence of two to 20 years. The case continues to draw attention as the community seeks justice for the young victim.