Las Vegas, Nevada — In a tense courtroom session on Monday, Amadeo Quindara, a 77-year-old Filipino American, and his family confronted the emotional aftermath of a violent attack they say was fueled by racial hatred. Nearly two years after the assault, which caused permanent injuries to Quindara, the family shared their harrowing experience in a hopeful yet somber call for justice.
Tears and frustration filled the air as Quindara’s family spoke out about the violence that shattered their sense of safety at home. “This was not a misunderstanding; he wanted to kill my dad,” one family member said, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Phil Quindara, Amadeo’s son, recalled how their garage, a place meant for refuge, became a scene of unimaginable horror when their neighbor, Christian Lentz, attacked the elderly man.
The incident occurred on May 30, 2023, as Amadeo Quindara sat in his garage. Video footage captured the assault, which left him unconscious, bleeding, and suffering from serious medical issues, including a brain bleed and memory loss. His wife discovered him lying in a pool of blood, a moment that has marked their family forever. “You took away the things that I earned in my life because you don’t like the way I look,” Amadeo said, addressing Lentz directly.
Compounding the attack, Quindara recounted that just one day prior, Lentz had made disparaging remarks, insisting he and his friends “speak English” while speaking in Tagalog. Lentz later pleaded guilty but was deemed mentally ill, an assertion his attorney defended in court, stating he had suffered a severe psychotic episode just days before the assault. “The man who committed these actions was not the man sitting next to me,” defended attorney Mandy McKellar.
While some may view mental illness as a mitigating factor, the Quindara family vehemently disagrees. “Knowing Christian Lentz has not led me to believe that this mental illness defense is an excuse for his vile and racist actions,” Henry Quindara stated, underscoring their belief that the assault was premeditated and rooted in prejudice.
The family has expressed deep frustration with the lengthy legal process. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” Henry remarked, revealing how the extensive wait has compounded their trauma. As they await a resolution, they hope for accountability and recognition of the impact of such hate-fueled violence.
During the proceedings, Judge Jennifer Schwartz postponed the sentencing once again due to discussions surrounding restitution. State prosecutor Colleen Baharav sought to have Lentz pay over $83,000 to cover medical expenses, travel, and security measures for the Quindara family. “I was hoping they’re gonna get the maximum,” Amadeo stated, reflecting the family’s desire for justice to be served in a timely manner.
The next court date is set for August 4 at 9 a.m., and the Quindaras remain resolute in their pursuit of closure and safety, determined to ensure that their ordeal is not forgotten as they navigate the road ahead.