A Las Vegas man has been sentenced to prison after prosecutors said he caused a multi-vehicle crash while under the influence of alcohol and marijuana, resulting in the death of a pregnant woman’s unborn child and serious injuries to several people.
Maximiliano Chavez, 28, pleaded guilty to two counts of DUI resulting in substantial bodily harm and one count of reckless driving in connection with the September 2025 crash.
Under the plea agreement, Chavez was sentenced to serve between 16 and 40 years in prison.
Crash
According to investigators, Chavez admitted he had consumed multiple alcoholic drinks and used marijuana before getting behind the wheel.
Authorities said he later ran a red light and crashed into a Subaru Forester and a Toyota Sienna.
Inside one of the vehicles was Rebekah Dauz, who was seven months pregnant and returning home after attending a 4D ultrasound appointment for her unborn child.
Her husband and son were also in the vehicle at the time of the crash.
While Dauz and her son survived, prosecutors said the collision caused the death of her unborn baby. Her husband reportedly did not suffer critical injuries.
Investigation
Police officers who responded to the crash scene said Chavez showed visible signs of intoxication.
According to court records, a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officer observed that Chavez’s speech was slurred and that he appeared emotionally distressed.
“His speech pattern was slurred, mumbled, confused, and slow,” the officer stated in reports cited during court proceedings. “His gait was unsteady, and he was crying.”
Investigators later determined Chavez had alcohol and THC in his system.
Court records also showed Chavez had prior DUI-related cases dating back to 2017 and 2021.
Plea
Chavez initially pleaded not guilty after his arrest.
However, he later accepted a plea agreement that resolved the criminal case without going to trial.
As part of the agreement, prosecutors dropped a charge directly related to the death of the unborn child.
During sentencing, Chavez addressed the court and acknowledged he would be serving prison time.
“I know I am going to go away, but I promise when I get out, I will be a better person,” Chavez said during the hearing.
Clark County Chief Deputy District Attorney Chad Lexis later stated that prosecutors believed the sentence delivered justice for the Dauz family.
Recovery
Rebekah Dauz and her son continue recovering from injuries sustained in the crash.
Dauz spoke publicly about the emotional and physical toll the collision has had on her life.
“Every scar on my body is a reminder of that day and my loss,” she told the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
She also described continuing to experience nightmares and flashbacks connected to the ultrasound appointment and the crash.
Family members said the emotional recovery process has been difficult for everyone involved.
Support
Following the crash, Dauz’s sister-in-law, Marie, created a GoFundMe campaign to support the family.
According to the fundraiser description, the day had originally begun as a celebration after the family attended a 4D ultrasound for the unborn baby, Marlito Nikaoh.
Marie wrote that the family had been overwhelmed with happiness before the collision changed their lives unexpectedly.
She explained that the fundraiser was not primarily intended to cover medical expenses but to help the family regain stability during the recovery process.
Family members said Dauz and her son continue facing a long healing journey.
Forgiveness
Despite the tragedy, Dauz’s son Isaiah publicly expressed forgiveness toward Chavez during the proceedings.
“I am still healing and recovering slowly, but I believe I will continue to be better with time,” Isaiah said.
“I also want Mr. Chavez to know that I forgive him and I will be praying for him.”
The statement drew attention during the sentencing hearing because of the severity of the crash and the losses suffered by the family.
Case
Below is a summary of the case details:
| Case Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Maximiliano Chavez |
| Age | 28 |
| Charges | DUI causing bodily harm, reckless driving |
| Sentence | 16 to 40 years in prison |
| Crash date | September 2025 |
| Victims | Rebekah Dauz and family |
| Outcome | Unborn child died, multiple injuries |
The case has renewed attention on impaired driving and the lasting impact DUI-related crashes can have on victims and families.
FAQs
Who was sentenced in the Las Vegas DUI case?
Maximiliano Chavez was sentenced to prison.
What caused the crash?
Police said Chavez drove under the influence.
What happened to the pregnant woman?
She lost her unborn child and suffered injuries.
How long is Chavez’s prison sentence?
He was sentenced to 16 to 40 years.
Did the family speak during sentencing?
Yes, family members discussed their recovery.
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