Judge sentences driver who left scene after striking 12-year-old, who later died

A judge on Monday ordered a seven- to 17.5-year prison sentence for a driver who hit a boy walking to school, who later died.

Oh’Ryan Brooks, 27, pleaded guilty in February to a count of duty to stop at scene of crash involving death or personal injury. In exchange for his plea, prosecutors agreed not to make a recommendation at sentencing.

Christofer Suarez, 12, was on his way to school near East Owens Avenue and North 21st Street in October when Brooks’ SUV struck him and threw him against a fence, which authorities said impaled him.

Suarez was a student at Smith Middle School in North Las Vegas and was trying to cross the street in what authorities described as “an implied crosswalk.”

He spent three days at University Medical Center before he died of his injuries.

Brooks did not stop.

Instead, he drove to an apartment complex, where police found him with bloodshot and watery eyes, slurred and mumbling speech and a gait so unsteady he repeatedly fell over, according to court records.

He could not pass field sobriety tests and reported inhaling THC from a vape.

He claimed that he did not know what he hit.

In a sentencing memorandum, defense attorney Joseph Gersten urged District Judge Maria Gall to impose the minimum two- to five-year sentence.

Brooks has “expressed that he feels terrible about the offense,” said the attorney in the filing.

Gersten said Brooks’ father was killed in a homicide when he was only three weeks old. He grew up in California, earned a high school diploma and worked in security, food service and temporary jobs.

The defense attorney argued his client showed “meaningful rehabilitative potential.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.