A deadly crash on the famous Las Vegas Strip has ended with a prison sentence for a driver accused of speeding away after hitting and killing a pedestrian. Authorities say the crash claimed the life of 29-year-old Jeffrey Ryan Diedenhofen after he was struck by a BMW SUV while crossing a major Las Vegas road early in the morning.
The driver, Stephon Watkins, has now been sentenced to prison following a guilty plea in the fatal hit-and-run case.
Driver Sentenced in Fatal Las Vegas Hit-and-Run
Stephon Watkins, 37, was originally charged with hit-and-run and reckless driving after the deadly crash, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
Court records show Watkins later pleaded guilty to failure to stop at the scene of a crash involving death.
This week, a judge sentenced him to between four and 12 years in prison.
Victim Was Crossing Street Near Las Vegas Strip
The fatal collision happened around 3:30 a.m. on May 30, 2025.
Police said Jeffrey Ryan Diedenhofen was crossing West Flamingo Road, west of South Las Vegas Boulevard, outside a marked crosswalk.
The location is close to the busy Las Vegas Strip area, known worldwide for casinos, nightlife, hotels, and entertainment venues.
At the same time, Watkins was driving a 2016 BMW X5 along West Flamingo Road when the SUV struck Diedenhofen.
Driver Allegedly Fled the Scene
According to investigators, Watkins did not stop after the crash and continued driving away from the scene.
Emergency medical crews later arrived, but authorities said Diedenhofen had suffered fatal injuries and could not be saved.
Police officially pronounced the 29-year-old dead at the scene.
The case remained under investigation for months before authorities eventually located Watkins in Sacramento in December 2025.
After his arrest, Watkins was extradited back to Clark County, Nevada, to face criminal charges.
Victim’s Father Speaks Out in Court
During sentencing, Watkins reportedly told the court that he was trying to make it through a traffic light while it was still green.
According to reports, Watkins appeared emotional and remorseful during the hearing.
However, the victim’s father strongly criticized Watkins’ actions and argued that excessive speed played a major role in his son’s death.
John Diedenhofen told the court that surveillance footage showed Watkins accelerating before the collision.
Speed Allegedly Reached 86 MPH
According to the victim’s father, video evidence suggested Watkins was driving as fast as 86 mph in a zone with a speed limit of 35 mph.
He argued that even a small attempt to brake or slow down could have prevented the deadly impact.
In court, John Diedenhofen reportedly said:
“My son would have escaped injury and still be alive today if Mr. Watkins had braked.”
The emotional statement highlighted the devastating impact the crash has had on the victim’s family.
Deadly Consequences of Speeding and Hit-and-Run Crashes
The tragic case has once again raised concerns about dangerous driving and hit-and-run incidents in busy tourist areas like Las Vegas.
Police often warn that excessive speeding greatly reduces reaction time and increases the risk of deadly crashes, especially in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.
Leaving the scene after a collision can also delay emergency treatment and lead to even more serious criminal charges.
