Austin Eis Guilty in Murder, Crime Spree

Austin Allen Eis, 26, pleaded guilty to 10 felony charges, including murder, after a violent crime spree in Ventura County that began with an attack on a Walmart greeter and culminated in the death of 15-year-old Wesley Welling, a Westlake High School student. The spree occurred on April 18, 2023, when Eis intentionally crashed his car into a group of students, killing Welling and injuring others. Eis had a history of violent threats, admiration for mass murderers, and a desire for mass violence, which he admitted motivated his actions. Despite facing 85 years to life in prison, California law allows Eis to be eligible for parole after 24 years, which frustrates the victims' families. Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko emphasized the severity of Eis' actions and the plea deal's benefit in sparing survivors from testifying. Eis' admission of his motivations highlights the premeditated nature of his crime spree.