Prosecutors File Murder, Manslaughter Charges in Killing of Braun Levi
Los Angeles prosecutors have charged a 33-year-old security guard with murder in the traffic death of 18-year-old Loyola High School student and tennis standout Braun Levi, who was struck in Manhattan Beach earlier this year.
Jenia Resha Belt of Los Angeles is charged with one felony count of murder, one felony count of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and one misdemeanor count of driving while her privilege was suspended or revoked for a specified blood-alcohol level, authorities said. She is being held on $2 million bail.
Braun Levi’s mother, Jennifer, said, “I’m here sharing the statement today because the life of our beautiful 18-year-old son, Braun Levi, brutally and senselessly ended in a preventable tragedy.” My plea is to Gov. Gavin Newsom and California lawmakers. This is not a political issue; this is a human issue.” Levi is advocating for new state laws to restructure California DUI sentencing and punishment.
Investigators allege Belt was speeding and driving under the influence when she hit Levi about 12:45 a.m. May 4 as he crossed Sepulveda Boulevard at Ronda Drive. Levi was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, officials said.
Belt’s arraignment has been continued to Jan. 13 in Department C of the Torrance Courthouse. If convicted as charged, Belt faces up to 15 years to life in state prison.
Deputy District Attorney Brittany Vannoy of the DUI Training and Prosecution Section is prosecuting the case, which remains under investigation by the Manhattan Beach Police Department, according to prosecutors.
