LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Two parents pleaded guilty to charges related to the shooting death of their teenage son by his younger brother. According to court records, a district court judge approved the plea deals Tuesday for Jerel Lee Reyes and Bryanna Kahikahiwa Reyes.
Henderson police showed up at the Reyes’ home in January of 2024 after their 12-year-old son shot and killed his 14-year-old brother Aizeya Reyes. They were reportedly arguing over a cell phone. At the house, police said they found 15 guns unsecured and within reach of children.
Jerel Reyes, 52, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of child abuse, neglect, or endangerment. For this charge, he faces a minimum of one year and up to six years at the Nevada Department of Corrections. His wife Bryanna Reyes, 51, pleaded guilty to a gross misdemeanor charge of child abuse, neglect, or endangerment, facing up to one year at the Clark County Detention Center.
The Clark County Coroner’s Office stated the 14-year-old died of a gunshot wound to the chest/abdomen. According to the arrest report, Henderson police responded to the Reyes’ house located on Capital Gains Drive near Wigwam Parkway and Stephanie Street, where the 12-year-old reportedly admitted to shooting his older brother and called it an accident.
The brothers were fighting over the phone when the 12-year-old grabbed the gun and fired at his sibling. The young boy claimed he did not know the gun was loaded, as stated in the arrest report.
Jerel Reyes told police he had moved to Las Vegas from Hawaii due to the cost of living and had purchased firearms for protection. He also claimed he taught his family about gun safety and provided his two minor children with firearms, according to the arrest report.
Sentencing for the couple is scheduled for April 29.