Woman charged with murder in DUI crash that killed Loyola High School tennis player

A tragic incident that occurred in Manhattan Beach has left the community in mourning after a drunk driver, Jenia Belt, allegedly struck and killed 18-year-old high school tennis star Braun Levi. The devastating collision took place on Sepulveda Boulevard at Ronda Drive back in May, leading to Levi’s untimely death just weeks before he was set to graduate from Loyola High School.

Levi, who was nationally ranked and had planned to play tennis at the University of Virginia, was a promising young athlete with a bright future ahead of him. The impact of the crash resulted in catastrophic injuries, ultimately claiming his life. The Manhattan Beach Police Department described the force of the impact as propelling Levi’s body down the roadway, highlighting the severity of the incident.

Following Levi’s tragic passing, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office arrested Jenia Resha Belt in connection with the collision. District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced murder charges against Belt during a press conference, emphasizing the seriousness of driving under the influence and its potential consequences on human life.

Belt’s driver’s license had been suspended in January 2024, and she had previously faced drunk-driving and hit-and-run charges. Now, she is being held on $2 million bail and could face up to 15 years to life in prison if convicted of felony charges of murder and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

In response to the tragedy, Levi’s family filed a $200 million wrongful death lawsuit against Belt, alleging that she had consumed excessive amounts of alcohol at a bar in Hermosa Beach before getting behind the wheel. The family plans to use the funds from the lawsuit to establish the “Live Like Braun Foundation,” a scholarship fund that will support public tennis centers and raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving.

As the community continues to grieve the loss of Braun Levi, his memory lives on through the impact he had on those around him. His legacy as a talented athlete and promising young man will not be forgotten, and efforts to promote safer driving practices will honor his memory. Belt’s arraignment is scheduled for January 13th, marking a crucial step in seeking justice for Levi’s untimely death.