A grieving mother is demanding justice after the arrest of the teenager accused of killing her 17-year-old daughter nearly three years ago. Laquita Nguyen, the mother of Alexus Lien Nguyen, is relieved that authorities have finally apprehended 17-year-old Alejandro Zenon-Reyes. However, she now fears he may not face the full extent of the law if tried as a juvenile.
Zenon-Reyes was just 14 years old when Alexus was found unresponsive with a fatal gunshot wound inside a vehicle in Rogers, Arkansas, on April 13, 2022. After the tragic incident, he fled, evading authorities for nearly three years before being arrested last week in Veracruz, Mexico. He was subsequently deported and is currently being held in Harris County Jail, Texas.
For Nguyen, the possibility that Zenon-Reyes could be tried as a juvenile is unacceptable.
“He could possibly not even face any kind of jail time or anything like that,” Nguyen said. “I think it’s ridiculous considering all the stuff that he did afterward.”
Rogers police had issued a warrant for Zenon-Reyes on manslaughter charges shortly after Alexus’ death. His parents, Daniel Zenon-Chavez and Rosa Reyes-Zendejas, along with his brother, Giovanny Zenon, were also arrested in 2022 for allegedly helping him escape. They have pleaded not guilty to hindering apprehension and are set to stand trial on April 14.
Benton County Prosecuting Attorney Bryan Sexton stated that prosecutors are still reviewing all options and have not yet determined whether Zenon-Reyes will be charged as an adult.
Nguyen fears that trying him as a juvenile would set a dangerous precedent.
“It’s showing all these other minors that it’s OK to go out and kill somebody or do criminal activity and you can do whatever you want,” she said.
In addition to seeking justice in criminal court, Nguyen previously filed a wrongful death lawsuit. In May 2024, a jury awarded her $500,000 in damages, ordering Zenon-Reyes and his family to pay a combined total of $1.15 million.
As the legal battle continues, Nguyen vows to be present for every proceeding, ensuring her daughter’s voice is heard and justice is served.
