Camarillo Man Sentenced for Deadly Attack on Students

A Camarillo resident, 26-year-old Austin Allen Eis, has been sentenced to 85 years to life in state prison after committing a violent act against a group of students from Westlake High School. In an incident from two years ago, Eis crashed his vehicle into the students, tragically resulting in the death of 15-year-old Wesley Welling and causing serious injuries to others.

Background of the Crime

Eis, who was living as a transient at the time, not only fatally harmed Welling but had a history of violent behavior. Prior to the incident with the students, he had attacked a store greeter at a Walmart in Simi Valley, employing tactics such as stabbing, pepper spraying, and spitting at the victim. This display of aggression and violence set the stage for his later actions.

Legal Proceedings

In February, Eis pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, and assault with a deadly weapon—totaling ten felony charges. The prosecution revealed that Eis had specifically targeted the students out of personal frustration, intending to inflict mass violence. Investigations into his background unveiled concerning evidence about his admiration for notorious mass murderers and extremist ideologies.

“The defendant committed acts of terror and extreme violence that took the life of a teenage boy and shattered the lives of many others,” noted Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko following Eis’ guilty plea. “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.”

Emotional Sentencing Hearing

At the sentencing hearing, Kelly Welling, Wesley’s mother, spoke directly to Eis, expressing her profound grief and devastation. “No nightmare I can ever have is worse than waking up to this reality—to know that the last thing my son might have seen is your face,” she said. She emphasized the irreversible loss of her son, reflecting on the potential life Wesley could have led. “You robbed me of my son and the world of a boy who would have become an amazing man.”

Welling’s heartfelt words highlighted the deep emotional impact of Eis’ actions. She added, “Every day from this point on is filled with an emptiness. There are no words to describe this pain.”

Conclusion

This case underscores the tragic consequences of violent crime and the irreversible damage inflicted upon victims and their families. As Eis begins his lengthy sentence, the community continues to mourn the loss of young Wesley Welling, whose promising future was cut short.