In a tragic incident that unfolded in a Henderson, Nevada, home, 14-year-old Aizeya Reyes, a Hispanic male, lost his life on January 26, 2024. The young teenager died from a gunshot wound to the chest following what was described as a dispute with his younger brother over a cellphone. The altercation took a fatal turn when the 12-year-old brother reportedly grabbed a firearm and shot Aizeya.
He would later tell authorities that he did not believe the gun was loaded and that the shooting was an accident.
When Henderson police responded to the family's residence, they discovered a harrowing scene and a home where numerous firearms were left unsecured. Investigators found as many as 15 guns scattered throughout the house, accessible to the children. The tragic circumstances led to a broader investigation into the home environment and the responsibility of the parents in the events that transpired.
In the wake of their son's death, Aizeya's parents, Jerel Lee Reyes, 52, and Bryanna Kahikahiwa Reyes, 51, were arrested and faced charges of child abuse, neglect, or endangerment. The charges stemmed from the negligent placement and storage of the firearms within the home. Court records later revealed that both parents entered guilty pleas. Jerel Reyes pleaded guilty to a felony charge, while Bryanna Reyes pleaded guilty to a gross misdemeanor. The case highlighted the devastating consequences of unsecured firearms in a home with children, leading to a family shattered by loss and legal repercussions.
