Nevada Parents Plead Guilty After 12-Year-Old Son Fatally Shoots Older Brother

In a heartbreaking incident highlighting the urgent need for parental responsibility and firearm safety, two parents in Nevada have pleaded guilty to charges related to child abuse after their 12-year-old son accidentally shot and killed his older brother during an argument over a cellphone.

Court records confirm that a district judge approved plea deals on Tuesday for 52-year-old Jerel Lee Reyes and 51-year-old Bryanna Kahikahiwa Reyes. Their charges stem from an incident in January 2024 when Henderson police responded to a call at their home and found the couple’s 14-year-old son, Aizeya Reyes, dead from a gunshot wound to the chest. His younger brother, who pulled the trigger, admitted to the shooting but claimed it was an accident.

Authorities discovered 15 unsecured firearms in the home, accessible to the children. Jerel Reyes, who had moved his family from Hawaii to Nevada citing lower costs of living, told police he had purchased firearms for family protection and had taught his children about gun safety. However, the presence of unlocked weapons in a home with minors ultimately led to the tragic outcome.

Reyes pleaded guilty to a felony charge of child abuse, neglect, or endangerment and faces a prison sentence ranging from one to six years. His wife, Bryanna, pleaded guilty to a gross misdemeanor on similar charges and could serve up to a year in the Clark County Detention Center.

The shooting happened when a dispute between the brothers escalated. The 12-year-old reportedly grabbed a firearm and fired at his sibling, later stating that he did not realize the gun was loaded.

This situation highlights the vital responsibility of gun ownership, particularly in homes with children. The Second Amendment grants us the right to bear arms, and with that privilege comes the important duty to store firearms securely, ensuring they are out of reach of minors. Let’s prioritize safety together!

Sentencing for the parents is scheduled for April 29.

Source: 8 News Now