LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Nearly three years since the crash that killed Eric Echevarria, former UNLV basketball recruit Zaon Collins faced a judge for a final sentencing.
Collins appeared in Las Vegas Justice Court on Thursday morning after pleading guilty to manslaughter and reckless driving.
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In a plea hearing last month, Collins' defense team and prosecutors revealed the sentence Collins could face under the plea agreement: 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine for manslaughter and probation for felony reckless driving.
At the time of that hearing, Collins was sentenced for 90 days in jail for manslaughter. On Thursday, Judge Tara Clark Newberry imposed a sentence of three years of probation for reckless driving. The sentence includes a fine of $3,500.
"I have provided the maximum sentence because, as your counsel acknowledged, typically in a case like this you would have been incarcerated," Clark Newberry said. "You cannot bring anyone back, but I truly hope that you can prevent other things from happening, and I’m giving you that opportunity and probation to do exactly what you said you’re going to do.”
During previous court proceedings, prosecutors told the judge the case had a "number of concerns" that resulted in negotiations yielding an "offer that was lower than we're usually comfortable with for a case of this nature."
In a police report from the December 2020 crash, investigators stated Collins was driving approximately 90 mph in a 35 mph zone when he crashed into Echevarria's car, killing the 52-year-old.
Much of the case has hinged on debate over DUI and marijuana statutes. At the time of the crash, prosecutors said Collins had enough THC in his system to be considered impaired.
A grand jury declined to indict Collins for DUI.
Under the new sentencing agreement, Collins is required to submit to mental health and substance abuse evaluations. He must work full time or attend school full time, Clark Newberry stipulated. He cannot use or possess any alcohol, illegal or controlled substances other than prescribed medication approved by probation supervisors.
While on probation, Collins is also required to complete 100 hours of community service. Clark Newberry encouraged him to complete that service in a course that deals with drunk driving or reckless driving.
Collins was given the opportunity to speak during the hearing. He apologized to Echevarria's family and told Clark Newberry he hoped she would grant probation.
"One day, I hope to tell my story to youth and teens and maybe start my own program helping kids make smarter decisions on the road," he said. "I've never been a trouble-maker and I plan on keeping it that way. I promise to stay out of trouble."
He also addressed Echevarria's family:
"I'm truly sorry, and I keep your family in my prayers daily," he said. "I hope you can forgive me one day."
Collins is expected to begin serving his probation in mid-August, at the end of his 90-day jail sentence for manslaughter.
