The Clark County District Attorney's Office is reviewing whether to seek the death penalty against Tyler Johns, 22, who is charged with the murder of 11-year-old Brandon Dominguez in a road rage incident. The case has been moved to district court after a judge found there is enough evidence. Johns could face the death penalty if prosecutors pursue it and a jury convicts him, as reported by News 3 LV.
On the morning of November 14, Johns and the stepfather of the young victim, Valente Ayala, got into an argument on the 215 Beltway. According to 8 News Now, during the dispute, Johns fired a shot into Ayala’s vehicle, fatally injuring Dominguez. Ayala then rammed his vehicle into Johns’ to stop him from leaving. The incident resulted in the death of the child.
During his arraignment, the Clark County District Attorney's Office said a death penalty review is being considered in the Tyler Johns case. A spokesperson said, “It is the policy of the Office of the District Attorney that cases in which there is an arguable statutory aggravating circumstance go before the death penalty committee for consideration with [District Attorney Steve] Wolfson having the final say on any decision to file or not file," as mentioned by News 3 LV. Johns’ attorney requested to delay the arraignment because of the review. Johns is scheduled to return to court on January 8, 2026. Body camera footage shows Johns admitting to police that he killed the 11-year-old boy, while his attorney says the shooting was accidental. Johns is being held without bail. Nevada has not carried out a death penalty execution since 2006.
