A 24-year-old man from Camarillo, Austin Eis, has pleaded guilty to 10 felony charges tied to a violent rampage in 2023 that left one teenager dead and several others injured. The attacks included intentionally driving his vehicle into a group of high school students, as well as multiple assaults earlier that same day.
A History of Violence and Extremist Beliefs
According to Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko, Eis had a long-standing fascination with mass violence and extremist ideologies. Investigators uncovered text messages where Eis expressed desires to commit violent acts for years.
“The defendant committed acts of terror and extreme violence that took the life of a teenage boy and shattered the lives of many others,” Nasarenko stated.
Prosecutors revealed that Eis admired mass murderers and had a documented history of making violent threats. His attacks were described as premeditated and fueled by years of homicidal thoughts.
The Charges and Potential Sentence
Eis pleaded guilty to the following charges:
- 6 counts of attempted murder
- 2 counts of assault with a deadly weapon
- 1 count of false imprisonment by violence
- 1 count of murder
Prosecutors also filed special allegations, including:
- Premeditated attempted murder
- First-degree murder
With these charges, Eis faces a potential sentence of 85 years to life in prison.
“This sentence will reflect his premeditated and calculated actions after years of homicidal ideations,” said Senior Deputy District Attorney Amber Lee. “It will also help victims find closure without having to relive the trauma through courtroom testimony.”
The Timeline of the Attack
Eis’s violent crime spree unfolded over the course of about one hour and began at a Simi Valley Walmart:
- Stabbing at Walmart: Eis stabbed a store greeter multiple times and dragged another employee across the floor before fleeing the scene.
- Breaking into His Parents’ Home: He then broke into his parents’ house in Camarillo.
- Deadly Crash Near Westlake High School: Shortly afterward, Eis deliberately drove his vehicle into a group of Westlake High School students walking along the sidewalk.
The attack on the students resulted in:
- The death of a 15-year-old boy
- Severe injuries to multiple other students
Community Response and Seeking Justice
District Attorney Nasarenko emphasized the importance of holding Eis accountable:
“While no number of guilty pleas will ever close the anguish of the victims and their families, they will ensure the defendant’s removal from society and impose accountability for his horrendous crimes.”
The community of Westlake Village and surrounding areas have mourned the loss of the teenage victim, while also rallying around the injured survivors and their families.
A Chance for Closure
By pleading guilty, Eis’s victims and their families can avoid the trauma of a lengthy trial. Prosecutors hope the guilty plea will help survivors focus on healing.
“This disposition allows the dozens of victims to close this chapter of their lives without reliving the trauma through courtroom testimony,” said Amber Lee.
Sentencing for Eis is expected to be scheduled soon, with a sentence of 85 years to life likely ensuring he will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
