A former Las Vegas corrections officer pleaded guilty to reckless driving after a crash that killed a pedestrian and was sentenced Monday to 364 days in jail, accompanied by probation and a suspended prison term. District Court Judge Colleen Brown handed down the sentence following a plea agreement that saw DUI charges dismissed.
“The fact of the matter is you did drink, you did drive and a person died because of your actions, and there are consequences for that,” Brown said.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department, Maurice Washington was driving a Mercedes-Benz northbound on Decatur Boulevard near Alta Drive at approximately 3:30 a.m. on May 11, 2025, when he struck and killed 58‑year‑old Elijah Givens. Givens was crossing Decatur in a marked crosswalk against a pedestrian signal while Washington faced a green light.
Elijah Givens’ brother, Darrell, described him as a good, caring man and a veteran who served aboard the USS Cayuga in the U.S. Navy. Family members told the court that Givens’ death has devastated them, urging the judge to impose a prison term. Michelle Boose, Givens’ sister, called the loss “a transgression that was wholly avoidable.”
“He was a father, a devoted service veteran, a man full of kindness, laughter and unwavering spirit,” Boose said, adding that her brother’s death has left her “in a relentless rhythm of grief.”
Police reported that Washington fled the scene after the collision but returned roughly 45 minutes later with his mother. He arrived at the area around 4:15 a.m. and told officers he had been drinking earlier at a hookah lounge and initially did not report the crash “because he was scared.”
Washington told investigators he did not realize what he had hit, said his vehicle was “undrivable,” and pulled into a parking lot in the 4700 block of Meadows Lane. He failed a field sobriety test, and officers noted a strong odor of alcohol and slurred speech.
In court Monday, Washington apologized to Givens’ family.
“Nothing I can say can change what happened or lessen the pain his family has endured,” Washington said.
“I will carry the sadness and remorse with me for the rest of my life,” he continued. “I wish with all my heart the tragedy had never happened.”
Washington entered a plea agreement admitting to two counts of reckless driving causing death. He had been released on $250,000 bail prior to sentencing.
Defense attorney Josh Tomsheck challenged an early police claim that Washington was speeding, stating no evidence supported that assertion. He noted that letters of support from Washington’s friends and family were submitted, and several supporters attended the sentencing.
“This is an individual who is very loved and supported,” Tomsheck said.
Tomsheck urged the judge to impose probation, arguing that although Washington was impaired at the time of the crash, his impairment did not cause the tragedy.
“The decedent walked across two lanes of traffic and walked into the oncoming traffic in the direction Mr. Washington was traveling,” Tomsheck said.
Judge Brown indicated a potential prison term of 56 to 144 months, but suspended that sentence. Washington was placed on probation for three years, with 364 days to be served in the county detention center.
Sincity Press Staff
3 hours ago 3 min read
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English (US)·