Driver Pleads Not Guilty in Death of HS Tennis Star—a case that has shaken the Manhattan Beach community and renewed calls for tougher drunk driving laws across California. A woman accused of driving under the influence when she fatally struck an 18-year-old Loyola High School tennis standout has formally denied all charges related to the crash.
Jenia Resha Belt, 33, entered a not guilty plea Tuesday to multiple felony counts, including murder, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and driving with a suspended license. Prosecutors allege the deadly collision occurred around 12:45 a.m. on May 4 in the 100 block of South Sepulveda Boulevard.
Although Belt was initially arrested shortly after the incident, she was released from custody about a month later. On December 18, authorities formally charged her, and she was re-arrested. She remains in custody with bail set at $2 million and is scheduled to return to court on March 12, when a judge will determine whether sufficient evidence exists for the case to proceed to trial.
The victim, 18-year-old Braun Levi, was a senior at Loyola High School and a highly regarded student-athlete. He was walking along Sepulveda Boulevard with a friend when he was struck by the vehicle. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Braun later succumbed to his injuries, according to authorities. His death came just weeks before his anticipated graduation, compounding the tragedy for his family and school community.
Braun’s family had recently relocated to Manhattan Beach after losing their home in the Palisades Fire. His mother, Jennifer Levi, has since become a vocal advocate for stricter DUI laws. Speaking alongside Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman and other officials at a December news conference, she described the lasting pain of losing her son and pledged to push for legislative reform aimed at tougher DUI sentencing.
Loyola High School also issued a heartfelt tribute, describing Braun as a “shining presence” and a natural leader. As varsity tennis team captain for three years, he was deeply involved in school life, serving on the Student Council, acting as a senior Big Brother, leading Kairos retreats, and supporting other athletic programs.
Beyond the criminal case, families affected by fatal DUI crashes may also pursue civil claims to seek accountability and financial relief. The types of compensation at stake often include funeral and burial expenses, medical costs incurred before death, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship and guidance. In some cases, punitive damages may also be available to address particularly reckless conduct and deter similar behavior in the future.
At Text Kevin Accident Attorneys by Crockett Law, we help grieving families understand their legal options during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Our firm works to investigate the crash thoroughly, preserve critical evidence, and pursue maximum compensation through wrongful death claims.
We handle communication with insurers and opposing counsel, allowing families the space to focus on healing while we fight for justice and accountability on their behalf. If you or a loved one has been affected by a serious or fatal accident, our team is here to guide you with clarity, compassion, and unwavering advocacy.
Our law firm extends its deepest sympathies to the friends and family of the victims who are mourning the loss of their loved ones. It’s essential to have experienced Wrongful death accident lawyers on your side when losing a loved one in a car accident. Call us at 1-888-965-3827 for a free and confidential case evaluation. You can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by phone, text, or online chat. For a one-on-one consultation, you are free to visit our office.
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