Charge added against teen suspect in double slaying

Prosecutors have added a charge of robbery with a deadly weapon against Victor Veliz, the 18-year-old accused of shooting to death his friend's parents on Sept. 30.

Veliz and Timothy Chester, also 18, are accused of conspiring to kill Chester's parents.

They are charged with two counts each of murder with a deadly weapon. They also face one count each of conspiracy to commit murder and burglary in connection with the double slaying.

Veliz and Chester are being held without bail at the Clark County Detention Center.

Thomas and Carla Chester were found shot to death in their east valley mobile home. Carla Chester had been stabbed.

Authorities said Timothy Chester plotted the deaths and had Veliz, his best friend, carry out the killings.

Veliz has said that Chester threatened him with death if he did not participate in the plan.

Originally, only Chester was charged with robbery with a deadly weapon. He was accused of stealing his parents' car after the slayings. But prosecutors reasoned both suspects should be charged with robbery because the car was stolen as part of the shooting.

An amended complaint with the new charge was filed in Justice of the Peace Eric Goodman's court Monday.

A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Nov. 17.

Contact reporter Francis McCabe at fmccabe@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-1039.