Vegas Mom Rages After Son's E-Scooter Death Brings Only Misdemeanor Charge

A Las Vegas mother is blasting prosecutors after the driver in a crash that killed her 22-year-old son and critically injured her 14-year-old was charged with only misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter. The driver is due in court next week in the death of Christopher Soto, who was riding a stand-up e-scooter with his younger brother when they were struck at West Warm Springs Road and South Torrey Pines Drive. The filing has reignited debate over how Nevada handles deadly collisions that do not involve alcohol or drugs.

Police Say Surveillance Video Captured Deadly Impact

On March 24, 2025, Metro’s Collision Investigation Section said surveillance footage and witness statements show a 2017 Toyota Corolla entering the intersection as two e-scooters crossed, causing one scooter to hit the front of the Corolla and the other to hit the rear. The 22-year-old rider died and the juvenile was taken to University Medical Center in critical condition, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

Victim Identified, Intersection Shut Down For Hours

Clark County’s coroner later identified the man who died as 22-year-old Christopher Soto. The crash shut down the intersection for hours while investigators processed the scene, according to reporting by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Mother Demands Felony As Driver Faces Misdemeanor

The driver is charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter and is scheduled to appear in court next week, according to FOX5. Soto’s mother, Cat Velasquez, told the station she "cannot believe the charge is only a misdemeanor" and vowed to keep pressing prosecutors to bring felony counts.

Right-Of-Way Fight Centers On Video Evidence

Metro’s release says the surveillance video captured the moments just before impact and that witnesses backed up the sequence described by investigators. Family members maintain the brothers had the right of way when they entered the intersection. Investigators say the footage, together with other evidence, informed the charging decision, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

What Nevada Law Allows In Deadly Crashes

Under Nevada law, vehicular manslaughter - conduct that results in death through simple negligence - is prosecuted as a misdemeanor. A conviction can bring up to six months in county jail and a $1,000 fine, according to FindLaw. Prosecutors can instead pursue felony reckless-driving counts when the evidence suggests willful or wanton disregard. Those charges can be filed as a category B felony that carries one to six years in prison and higher fines, according to Shouse Law Group.

Family Vows To Keep Pushing As Court Date Nears

Prosecutors did not immediately respond to requests for comment, FOX5 reported, and a readiness hearing is expected at the driver’s initial appearance next week. Soto’s family says it will continue to push for a felony filing as the court process unfolds, according to FOX5.