The death of 18-year-old Braun Levi, a celebrated high school tennis standout and college-bound athlete, has prompted serious criminal charges against an allegedly intoxicated driver in Los Angeles County. Prosecutors say the case reflects not only a tragic loss of life but also a pattern of dangerous conduct that culminated in a fatal crash just weeks before Levi was set to graduate. The charges against Jenia Resha Belt, a 33-year-old Los Angeles resident, underscore the gravity with which authorities are treating the incident, particularly given Belt’s prior history with drunk driving offenses and the circumstances surrounding the crash in Manhattan Beach.
Levi’s death has deeply affected the Loyola High School community, the South Bay area, and the broader network of athletes, educators, and families who knew him. As legal proceedings move forward, the case has become a focal point for discussions about accountability, impaired driving, and the lasting consequences of repeat offenses behind the wheel.
The Crash and the Criminal Charges
According to authorities, the fatal incident occurred at approximately 12:46 a.m. on May 4 along the 100 block of Sepulveda Boulevard near 2nd Street in Manhattan Beach. Braun Levi and a friend were walking in the area when they were struck by a vehicle allegedly driven by Jenia Resha Belt. Paramedics rushed Levi to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. He was just a month away from graduating from Loyola High School and preparing to begin the next chapter of his life as a collegiate tennis player.
Prosecutors allege that Belt was driving while intoxicated at the time of the crash. Court records indicate her blood alcohol level was nearly twice the legal limit. In addition to being under the influence, Belt was allegedly driving on a suspended license, a suspension imposed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles in January 2024. Authorities say the suspension stemmed from a prior DUI-related matter, adding significant weight to the current charges.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has charged Belt with one count of murder, one count of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and a misdemeanor count of driving on a suspended or revoked license. The murder charge reflects prosecutors’ assertion that Belt acted with implied malice, a legal standard in California that can apply in DUI cases when a driver is alleged to have knowingly engaged in dangerous behavior with conscious disregard for human life.
Investigators also noted that four passengers were inside the vehicle at the time of the collision and fled the scene afterward. While Belt was arrested at the scene, she was released in June and later apprehended again months afterward. She is currently being held in custody on $2 million bail, with an arraignment scheduled for Dec. 24.
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This is not the first time Belt has faced allegations related to impaired driving. In 2023, prosecutors filed drunk driving and hit-and-run charges against her, according to court records. That prior case, along with the suspended license, forms a critical part of the prosecution’s argument that Belt was aware of the risks of driving while intoxicated and chose to do so regardless.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman is expected to discuss the charges publicly alongside Braun Levi’s mother, Jennifer Levi, at a news conference. The decision to address the case jointly highlights both its legal significance and its profound emotional impact on the victim’s family.
Braun Levi’s Life, Achievements, and Legacy
Braun Levi was widely regarded as an exceptional student-athlete and a leader within his school community. A senior at Loyola High School, he was a four-year starter and team captain for the school’s tennis team, earning recognition as one of the most accomplished players in the program’s history. His dedication to the sport had earned him a place on the University of Virginia’s tennis roster, a milestone he was expected to reach in the fall.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Levi was known for his character, empathy, and leadership. Loyola High School Principal Jamal K. Adams described him as “a shining presence” who brought light, joy, and inspiration to those around him. Faculty members and classmates recalled his ability to connect with peers and his willingness to take on responsibilities that extended well beyond the tennis court.
Levi’s life was also shaped by resilience in the face of hardship. His family lost their home in the Palisades Fire and subsequently relocated to Manhattan Beach. During that period, Levi played a significant role in helping other students who had experienced similar losses. According to school officials, he was instrumental in building peer-to-peer counseling efforts for young people displaced by the fire and worked closely with administrators to organize an overnight retreat aimed at supporting affected students.
In the aftermath of his death, Levi’s parents filed a $200-million wrongful death lawsuit against Belt in November. The civil action seeks to hold Belt financially accountable and reflects the family’s belief that the crash was preventable. While the lawsuit proceeds separately from the criminal case, it underscores the profound loss experienced by the Levi family and their determination to pursue justice through all available legal avenues.
The family has also sought to honor Braun’s memory by establishing the Live Like Braun Foundation. The organization aims to carry forward his values of leadership, compassion, and service, focusing on initiatives that support young people and encourage positive community engagement. Through this foundation, the Levis hope to transform their grief into action that reflects the spirit with which their son lived.
Legal Implications and Broader Context
The decision to charge Jenia Resha Belt with murder places the case among a growing number of DUI-related prosecutions in California that allege implied malice. Under state law, a murder charge can be pursued when prosecutors believe a defendant knowingly engaged in conduct that was dangerous to human life, even without an explicit intent to kill. In DUI cases, factors such as prior convictions, license suspensions, and evidence of extreme intoxication are often cited to support such charges.
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Legal experts note that these cases are intended to send a strong message about the consequences of repeat impaired driving. Prosecutors argue that individuals with prior DUI arrests or convictions are fully aware of the risks associated with driving under the influence. When such individuals allegedly choose to drive intoxicated again, especially with a suspended license, authorities may contend that the behavior demonstrates a conscious disregard for the safety of others.
The Manhattan Beach crash also raises questions about passenger responsibility and post-collision conduct. The reported flight of the four passengers from the scene has drawn scrutiny, although authorities have not publicly detailed whether additional charges may be pursued in connection with that aspect of the case. Fleeing the scene of a fatal collision can complicate investigations and further intensify the legal and moral implications surrounding an incident.
From a community perspective, the case has reignited discussions about road safety, enforcement of license suspensions, and the monitoring of repeat DUI offenders. Advocates for stricter measures argue that enhanced oversight, ignition interlock requirements, and more aggressive intervention strategies could help prevent similar tragedies. While policy debates continue, the immediate focus remains on the criminal proceedings and the pursuit of justice for Braun Levi.
As the case moves toward arraignment and potential trial, it is expected to draw sustained public attention. The involvement of a high-profile victim, the severity of the charges, and the broader implications for DUI enforcement all contribute to its significance. For the Levi family, the legal process represents one avenue through which accountability may be achieved, even as they continue to mourn the loss of a son whose life ended far too soon.
The death of Braun Levi stands as a stark reminder of the human cost of impaired driving. While courts will ultimately determine Jenia Resha Belt’s legal responsibility, the facts outlined by prosecutors paint a picture of preventable tragedy, compounded by a history of alleged disregard for the law. As proceedings unfold, the case will likely remain a point of reflection for communities grappling with how best to address repeat offenses and protect lives on the road.