An elderly Filipino American was the victim of a brutal hate crime in Las Vegas—an attack that reignited concern over violence targeting Asian Americans. The assailant has now been sentenced to a combination of jail time and probation, a ruling the community views as a step toward justice.
The case began with a 2023 assault and concluded with an August 2025 sentencing. Beyond accountability for a single attack, it highlights the need for stronger protections for elders and communities of color, and for consistent consequences when bias fuels violence.
The Las Vegas Hate Crime Incident
The victim is Amadeo “Jimmy” Quindara, 75 at the time he was assaulted on May 30, 2023. He was sitting in his garage in the Mountain’s Edge neighborhood when his neighbor, Christian Lentz (then 44), confronted him. Lentz had previously heard Quindara speaking Tagalog with friends and relatives. He approached, issued threats, left, then returned and launched a violent assault.
During the attack, Lentz told Quindara he “should be on a ventilator” and shouted “Die, die, die.” Quindara suffered a head laceration, a black eye, memory issues, and lingering pain. The sequence of threats and slurs, coupled with the physical assault, led authorities to classify the crime as hate-motivated.
The Attacker, Charges, and Plea
Prosecutors charged Christian Lentz with residential burglary and abuse of an older person with death or substantial harm, both motivated by bias or hatred. On April 21, 2025, Lentz entered a guilty but mentally ill plea. The plea acknowledged bias motivation and the harm inflicted on a vulnerable elder while incorporating the defense’s mental-health claims.
Sentencing: Jail, Probation, and Mental Health Court
On August 4, 2025, Clark County District Court Judge Jennifer Schwartz sentenced Lentz to:
90 days in the Clark County Detention Center
Five years’ probation, with strict supervision
Mandatory participation in mental health court
A suspended 12–30 year prison term that can be imposed if he violates probation
In remarks from the bench, Judge Schwartz underscored that there is no place for hate in Nevada and warned that any probation violation could trigger the lengthy suspended sentence.
Voices From the Courtroom and Community
Quindara and his family—including wife Leonida and son Phillip—described the physical injuries and lasting trauma. The family expressed mixed emotions: relief at a measure of accountability, frustration that the punishment felt light given the cruelty of the assault.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Colleen Baharav outlined how Lentz’s threats, departure, and return to attack reinforced the bias element. The defense, led by Mandy McKellar and Jess Matsuda, emphasized Lentz’s mental-health history and treatment compliance since the incident.
Why This Case Matters
Hate crimes against Asian Americans—especially elders—have rattled communities nationwide. The Quindara case illustrates three urgent needs:
Protection for Elders: Targeted outreach, translation-ready reporting channels, and neighborhood watch coordination can reduce response times and increase safety.
Accountability With Treatment: When courts impose both punishment and mandated care, supervision has teeth—and opportunities for rehabilitation.
Community Healing: Victim-centered services, culturally competent counseling, and public education campaigns help families and neighbors recover and prevent copycat violence.
What Comes Next
For the next five years, Lentz’s conduct will be closely monitored. Any violation of probation, mental-health court rules, or protective orders can convert the suspended 12–30 year term into actual prison time. For the Quindara family, healing continues—supported by local Filipino American groups, faith communities, and allies who organized court-watch efforts and outreach after the assault.
Key Case Facts (At a Glance)
Victim: Amadeo “Jimmy” Quindara (75 at attack; now 77)
Assailant: Christian Lentz (44 at time of attack)
Date & Location: May 30, 2023; victim’s garage in Mountain’s Edge, Las Vegas
Notable Quotes: “Should be on a ventilator,” “Die, die, die”
Plea: Guilty but mentally ill (April 21, 2025)
Sentence (Aug. 4, 2025): 90 days’ jail + 5 years’ probation + mental-health court; 12–30 years suspended
Judge: Jennifer Schwartz
Attorneys: Chief Deputy DA Colleen Baharav; Defense—Mandy McKellar and Jess Matsuda
Conclusion
The sentencing in the Quindara case delivers concrete accountability and a clear warning: hate-driven violence carries consequences. The community’s task now is to sustain prevention and support—protecting elders, expanding victim services, and ensuring that supervision conditions are enforced. Justice is not just a verdict; it’s the daily work of safety, solidarity, and follow-through.
