By Redacción
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Austin Allen Eis, 25, of Camarillo, was sentenced to 85 years to life in state prison for a deadly 2023 crime spree that culminated in the murder of a 15-year-old student and left several others seriously injured, Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced Friday.
The sentencing followed a two-day hearing in which victims and their families gave emotional impact statements, describing the devastation caused by Eis’ actions. Kelly Welling, the mother of slain Westlake High School student Wesley Welling, addressed Eis directly in court.
“No nightmare I can ever have is worse than waking up to this reality,” she said. “You robbed me of my son and the world of a boy who would have become an amazing man. You are not seen as powerful. You are seen as the coward that you are who chose to hurt children.”
Eis’ violent rampage took place on April 18, 2023. It began with a stabbing inside a Walmart in Simi Valley and ended with Eis intentionally driving his car into a group of students outside Westlake High School. Wesley Welling died at the scene. Several other teens suffered critical injuries when Eis’ vehicle overturned after striking a bus stop.
Investigators revealed that Eis had long exhibited violent ideations, expressed admiration for mass murderers, and held extremist beliefs. Authorities concluded that his actions were premeditated and driven by personal frustration.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Amber Lee, who led the prosecution, emphasized the importance of the victims’ voices in the case.
“The sentence reflects the calculated brutality of the crimes and the deep, lasting impact on this community,” Lee said. “These families have suffered unspeakable trauma, and today’s outcome brings justice without forcing them to relive that pain at trial.”
In February, Eis pleaded guilty to 10 felony charges, including first-degree murder, multiple counts of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and false imprisonment by violence. He also admitted to enhancements for the use of deadly weapons and causing great bodily injury. All charges are strike offenses under California’s three-strikes law.
Eis showed no visible emotion during the sentencing. He will not be eligible for parole for at least 85 years.
