Sentencing for Guillermo Raya Leon was set at the maximum possible, which is life in prison with no chance of early release

Leah Anaya
For Clark County Today

The man who pulled the trigger and murdered Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Detective Sergeant Jeremy Brown was sentenced Thursday (Oct. 5) for his actions. In September, Guillermo Raya Leon was found guilty on all charges against him, including aggravated first-degree murder, the aggravated factor being that he knew Detective Sgt. Brown was a law enforcement officer. Raya Leon was also convicted at the time on charges of trafficking stolen property, burglary, theft of a motor vehicle and two counts of possessing a stolen firearm, plus firearms enhancements on four counts.

His sentencing was set at the maximum possible, which is life in prison with no chance of early release.

Raya Leon had claimed self-defense in the shooting, saying that plain-clothes Detective Brown shot at him first. However, another defendant, Lani Kraabell, testified at her September trial that another person was involved in the murder, alleging that this person handed a gun to Raya Leon and told him that he suspected Brown was an undercover officer, and to not leave any “loose ends.” Kraabell was found guilty in July of 2022 and sentenced to six years for her role in the murder.

Dependent Abran Raya Leon was sentenced to the maximum 27 years this past August for his role in driving the getaway vehicle.

Misty Raya, who is Raya Leon’s sister-in-law, pleaded guilty last week to charges including second-degree murder, two counts of second-degree burglary, one count of second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm and one count of theft of a firearm.

Det. Jeremy Brown was shot and killed in July of 2021 while conducting surveillance. Trials for the multiple suspects have been ongoing, with several police officers from Sgt. Brown’s unit having to testify.

“So many of these detectives now have to relive what happened as they testify,” Sheriff John Horch told Clark County Today, adding that it’s hard for all of them. “I heard [Detective Brown’s] voice during trial, and man was that hard.”

Horch added that Jill Brown, Detective Brown’s widow, is strong and has a lot of support but asked that the community continue to pray for her. Sheriff Horch’s wife, Michelle, has been with Jill during the trials to support her, along with many friends, family, and officers.

The courtroom was full of law enforcement officers, families, and supporters during sentencing Thursday, along with a zoom link with many more attendees.