Driver Pleads Guilty in Fatal DUI Crash Involving Arbor View High School Student
LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Keenan Jackson, 37, pleaded guilty Monday to felony DUI resulting in the death of 18-year-old McKenzie Scott, who was struck while crossing the street near Arbor View High School on May 2.
Jackson, arrested for driving under the influence, had a blood alcohol content three times the legal limit at the time of the incident, according to court documents. He was initially charged and held on a $500,000 bond.
Family members of Scott attended the court hearing, during which Jackson's plea was entered. The charge carries a potential sentence of 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine ranging from $2,000 to $5,000. Sentencing is set for Nov. 10 at 1 p.m.
The incident sparked community outrage, particularly following the recent death of 12-year-old Cristofer Suarez, who was also struck by an impaired driver while crossing the street near J.D. Smith Middle School.
In response, local leaders have called for improved safety measures for students traveling to school. The City of Las Vegas has made changes outside Arbor View High, including repainting crosswalks, installing pedestrian-activated flashers, and increasing crossing guard presence. Further improvements near the area where Suarez was struck include extending the hours of pedestrian flashers and enhancing crosswalk visibility.
Authorities said plans for a new traffic signal in Suarez's case are projected for completion by 2026.