After eight months in a juvenile detention facility, the teenager who fatally shot Bonanza High School senior Keanu Enright has been released on parole.
Thomas Enright, Keanu’s father, expressed his concerns as the shooter, along with his twin brother, began posting threatening messages and showcasing weapons on Instagram shortly after their release.
Living just two blocks away from the Enright family, the brothers have been spotted driving past their home multiple times recently, sometimes stopping for extended periods.
One of the alarming Instagram posts displayed a teenager appearing to hold a handgun, accompanied by a chilling caption: “We beat murder charges whos next?”
In light of these events, Thomas Enright approached the Clark County district attorney’s office to report the disturbing social media activity along with the suspicious presence of a car outside his home. He was disheartened to learn that prosecutors felt limited in their response.
“The DAs basically said there is nothing they can do. They point fingers at the Legislature in Carson City or blame the judges,” he remarked. “They’re taking no responsibility for his actions.”
The Metropolitan Police Department was called to the scene on October 16, where officers found Keanu suffering from gunshot wounds at a residence near South Buffalo Drive and West Charleston Boulevard.
Investigating the incident, homicide detectives revealed that a group of friends was handling a gun when it accidentally discharged, leading to the tragic death of Keanu. The 15-year-old shooter was arrested at the scene and later booked into Clark County Juvenile Hall, facing a charge of open murder.
Under Nevada law, minors age 16 or older are automatically tried as adults for murder charges. However, those 13 and older can be certified as adults if the district attorney files a motion and after a thorough investigation and court hearing.
Despite the severity of the incident, the shooter was not prosecuted as an adult. Assistant District Attorney Alexander Chen explained to the Las Vegas Review-Journal that the evidence available did not substantiate an intentional killing charge.
While specific details regarding the adjudication remain confidential, it is noted that juvenile offenders typically spend around six to nine months in a state correctional facility based on their needs and behaviors.
Release is contingent upon the completion of treatment, academic progress, and demonstrated positive behaviors in line with the Juvenile Justice Services Family Handbook.
The Youth Parole Bureau, responsible for monitoring offenders between the ages of 12 and 20, oversees those released from such facilities, but details on the scope of their supervision remain unclear.
Mandy McKellar, the attorney representing the shooter, was reluctant to discuss the recent threatening behavior attributed to her client, merely indicating that he is still under the juvenile court’s jurisdiction, implying his involvement in probation or parole.
Thomas Enright’s frustration with the judicial system’s leniency towards the shooter was palpable.
“It blows my mind,” he stated. “It feels like I’m stuck and can’t grieve. It’s like my son died in vain. In the eyes of the DA’s office and the state of Nevada, Keanu’s life isn’t worth anything.”
The community surrounding Bonanza High School continues to grapple with the aftermath of Keanu’s death. A parent of one of Keanu’s friends recounted that their child had received direct threats from the shooter’s twin brother, prompting the family to relocate for safety.
“There is a lot of fear in the community,” the parent shared. “And the sentencing enables him to act like he’s untouchable, like he’s above the law. It’s so unfair.”
Grieving families are not just lost in their sorrow; they face the persistent shadow of unjust behavior from the shooter’s family, further complicating the healing process.
“The community is also hurting. I lost a part of my son the day he lost Keanu,” the concerned parent reflected.
They spoke about their son’s daily remembrance of Keanu and the emotional burden he carries from that tragic night, which he was not present for but wishes he could change.
Thomas Enright’s advocacy for justice reflects a growing sentiment that the judicial system must take more responsibility in safeguarding victims’ families from further trauma and fear after such violent acts.
image source from：reviewjournal
