Petition updateJustice for Joshua Neely (Crofutt) – Demand Manslaughter Charges in Washoe Valley Hit-and-RunChris Hicks
Juanita NeelySafford, AZ, United States
Jun 18, 2025
Thank you for reaching out to the Washoe County District Attorney’s Office, and for sharing your heartfelt message and the community petition regarding the loss of Joshua Neely (Crofutt). We recognize the depth of pain and frustration surrounding this tragedy, and we offer our sincere condolences to all who knew and loved him.
A complete and thorough investigation is critical to pursuing justice for Joshua and his family, and it remains our highest priority. Our office will carefully review all available evidence and ensure that every legally viable charge is pursued. While we understand the community's call for a manslaughter charge, it's important to explain that Nevada law provides a more serious charge in fatal hit-and-run cases where impairment is not involved.
In cases like this, NRS 484E.010 – duty to stop at the scene of a crash involving death or injury – is a Category B felony, punishable by a mandatory state prison sentence of 2 to 20 years, and a mandatory license revocation. In contrast, vehicular manslaughter (NRS 484B.657) is classified as a misdemeanor, carrying a maximum of up to 6 months in county jail, a fine up to $1,000, and possible license suspension. While the term “manslaughter” may sound more serious, under Nevada law, leaving the scene of a crash that results in death carries significantly harsher penalties and reflects the gravity of that decision.
Initial charges in any case may be amended or expanded as additional information becomes available. Our office must meet a high legal burden at each stage, and changes often arise from further investigation, forensic analysis, medical examiner reports, or expert findings.
We appreciate the community’s concern and commitment to justice and will provide updates as we are legally able. As with all cases, our office is treating this matter with the utmost seriousness and continues to support the family through the dedicated efforts of a Victim Advocate and the Deputy District Attorney assigned to the case.
Sincerely,
Christopher J. Hicks
Washoe County District Attorney
A complete and thorough investigation is critical to pursuing justice for Joshua and his family, and it remains our highest priority. Our office will carefully review all available evidence and ensure that every legally viable charge is pursued. While we understand the community's call for a manslaughter charge, it's important to explain that Nevada law provides a more serious charge in fatal hit-and-run cases where impairment is not involved.
In cases like this, NRS 484E.010 – duty to stop at the scene of a crash involving death or injury – is a Category B felony, punishable by a mandatory state prison sentence of 2 to 20 years, and a mandatory license revocation. In contrast, vehicular manslaughter (NRS 484B.657) is classified as a misdemeanor, carrying a maximum of up to 6 months in county jail, a fine up to $1,000, and possible license suspension. While the term “manslaughter” may sound more serious, under Nevada law, leaving the scene of a crash that results in death carries significantly harsher penalties and reflects the gravity of that decision.
Initial charges in any case may be amended or expanded as additional information becomes available. Our office must meet a high legal burden at each stage, and changes often arise from further investigation, forensic analysis, medical examiner reports, or expert findings.
We appreciate the community’s concern and commitment to justice and will provide updates as we are legally able. As with all cases, our office is treating this matter with the utmost seriousness and continues to support the family through the dedicated efforts of a Victim Advocate and the Deputy District Attorney assigned to the case.
Sincerely,
Christopher J. Hicks
Washoe County District Attorney
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