Intro
The fatal collision that took Amber Brown‘s life in Las Vegas on June 19, 2025 has left her mother, Cheri Brown, in a state of disbelief-especially after the suspect, Angel Franco Merida, was deported to Guatemala.
At a Glance
- Amber Brown, a 33-year-old nurse, died after being struck by a vehicle on June 19, 2025.
- 37-year-old Angel Franco Merida was arrested at the scene and later posted a $50,000 bail.
- ICE removed Merida from the United States and sent him back to Guatemala, sparking a fight for justice from Brown’s family.
- Why it matters: The case highlights how immigration status can affect the pursuit of accountability for violent crimes.
The Tragic Collision
Amber Brown was crossing a street in downtown Las Vegas around 5 p.m. on June 19, 2025 when a vehicle struck her. She was immediately taken to a hospital, where she eventually died. A 14-year-old passenger in the vehicle survived with no injuries.
Key Facts
- Amber’s phone location showed she was at the Clark County Coroner’s Office when the incident occurred.
- Cheri Brown had been searching for her daughter for hours, calling hospitals and using phone-tracking services.
- “I totally broke down,” Cheri told 8 News Now after learning the truth.
Immediate Response
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department responded to the scene and arrested Angel Franco Merida, a 37-year-old suspect. Merida was the driver of the vehicle that collided with Brown.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 19, 2025 | Collision and arrest of Merida |
| June 20, 2025 | Merida posted bail after a judge set it at $50,000 |
The arrest was reported by local outlets 8 News Now and FOX 5, who also revealed Brown’s identity from coroner’s records.
The Arrest and Bail
After Merida appeared before a Las Vegas judge, the bail amount was set at $50,000. Merida posted the bond and was released from the detention center. The release was confirmed by unspecified court records.
What the Records Showed
- Merida was detained at the Nevada state facility.
- Bail was posted shortly after the court hearing.
- No further charges were listed in the public record at the time of release.
Deportation and Legal Concerns
Shortly after his release, Merida was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Court records obtained by 8 News Now indicate that ICE deported him to Guatemala.
> “I think it’s horrible,” Cheri told 8 News Now. “I think that they should bring him back. He should serve justice. He killed my daughter. Just because he is from another country – it shouldn’t be a free ticket to just flee the country.”
News Of Los Angeles has reached out to ICE for confirmation of the deportation.
Family’s Call for Justice
Cheri Brown’s frustration is clear. She feels the suspect may never face the consequences of his alleged actions. The case raises questions about whether immigration status can be used to avoid accountability for violent crimes.
- Emotional impact: Cheri’s repeated calls to hospitals and her breakdown after learning the truth.
- Legal outcome: Merida’s bail posting and subsequent deportation.
- Public demand: Brown’s insistence that the suspect be returned to the U.S. to stand trial.
What Happens Next?
The legal process is still unfolding. While Merida has been deported, the possibility of a U.S. extradition or a criminal proceeding in Guatemala remains uncertain. The case underscores the need for clear policies on how immigration status intersects with criminal justice.
Key Takeaways
- Amber Brown’s death remains a tragic reminder of the dangers of distracted driving.
- The suspect’s release and deportation highlight gaps in the U.S. justice system for non-citizen offenders.
- Families affected by such cases continue to push for reforms that ensure accountability regardless of immigration status.
Final Thoughts
The story of Amber Brown is far from over. As the legal system wrestles with the intersection of immigration and criminal law, Brown’s family’s plea for justice remains a stark reminder that the pursuit of accountability must not be abandoned.
Sources
- 8 News Now
- FOX 5
- Court records accessed by 8 News Now
- Statements from Cheri Brown
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Additional Resources
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