Las Vegas, NV – In a tragic turn of events, a Las Vegas man who deliberately ran over and killed his friend will serve at least 10 years in prison under a plea deal.
The horrifying incident occurred on November 22, 2022, when police received a call about a body found near Lake Mead Boulevard and Hallston Street. The victim, Armani Williams, 23, was discovered lifeless on the roadside.
That same day, Ethan Chavez, 20, reported his car stolen. However, authorities soon found the vehicle, heavily damaged with a shattered windshield. Upon further investigation, police uncovered a chilling truth—Chavez had intentionally hit Williams with his car.
Investigators dug deeper into Chavez’s phone records and discovered incriminating evidence. Internet searches such as “replace front windshield” and “what to do if my stolen car was used in a hit-and-run” raised suspicions. Chavez also searched for “Las Vegas hit and run”, further implicating him.
Shocking text messages between Chavez and Williams before the fatal incident revealed a violent threat from Chavez: “I’ll kill you and yo whole family don’t play with me clown.” Authorities determined that the fatal crash was premeditated.
Facing a second-degree murder charge, Chavez accepted a plea deal in December 2024. Clark County District Court Judge Carli Kierny officially sentenced him to 10 to 25 years in prison on Tuesday.
Under Nevada law, second-degree murder carries a minimum sentence of 10 years, with a maximum of 25 years. Chavez has been in custody since his May 2023 arrest. With time served, he will be eligible for parole in 2033.
This tragic case highlights the devastating consequences of violence, leaving a family mourning the loss of a young man whose life was cut short by someone he once considered a friend.
