Las Vegas, NV – A Las Vegas mother is taking legal action nearly two years after her 15-year-old son was brutally attacked by a group of teens, alleging that the Clark County juvenile justice system failed her family.
The emotional case has sparked widespread debate over how serious youth violence is handled in Nevada courts.
Dispute Escalates to Group Attack
The incident began as a school dispute among students at Palo Verde High School, but quickly escalated into a mob-style beating, according to the victim’s mother, Amy Luciano. Her son, Devin, was attacked by seven teenagers, though only three were ultimately charged.
“There was a total of seven juvenile offenders that jumped Devin; only three… ended up getting charged, and that was only due to my persistence,” Luciano told 8 News Now.
Photos of Devin’s facial injuries were shared publicly, showing the extent of the violence. Luciano revealed that for a month after the attack, her son slept in her room, traumatized and suffering from nightmares.
“He slept in my room for 30 days and every night I could hear him crying in his sleep, saying, ‘I’m sorry. Please stop kicking me.’”
Civil Lawsuit Filed, Brain Injury Confirmed
Frustrated by the probation sentences given to the attackers and continued harassment from the same group of teens, Luciano has now filed a civil lawsuit against the assailants as well as the owners of the home where the beating took place.
“What happened was wrong and somebody’s got to pay, because Devin is never going to be the same,” she said, adding that her son was diagnosed with a mild traumatic brain injury.
Luciano is also calling out the juvenile court system, advocating that the teens—some of whom were nearly 18 years old at the time—should have been tried as adults.
“These kids’ brains are fully formed. They know exactly what they’re doing,” she said. “So why can’t the prosecutors hold them accountable?”
Long-Term Effects on the Family
In addition to the lawsuit, Luciano described how the incident impacted her entire household. Her other three children also faced ongoing harassment from the group involved in the beating.
Devin, now recovering in Clark County, missed an entire year of school because of his injuries and trauma. Luciano says she has no plans to re-enroll him at Palo Verde High School.
Juvenile Justice Reform Debate
This case has reignited discussions around juvenile justice reform—specifically when violent offenders should be treated as adults. Critics argue that the current system lacks consequences for serious youth crimes, leaving victims and their families without closure.
Youth violence incidents in schools and communities are on the rise nationally. Advocates are calling for:
- Stricter consequences for violent juvenile crimes
- More support services for victims
- Improved school conflict mediation
- Clearer legal pathways to escalate severe juvenile cases to adult court
As Amy Luciano seeks justice through the civil court system, her story is shedding light on the emotional, physical, and legal scars left behind after such attacks.
Do you believe the juvenile justice system should be tougher on teen violence? Join the conversation and share your thoughts below in the comment section.
