Braun Levi: New charges filed in DUI hit-and-run death of 18-year-old tennis star

Charges filed in deadly Manhattan Beach DUI case

Braun Levi was killed on May 4 when he was struck by an alleged drunk driver while walking with a friend near the intersection of Sepulveda Boulevard and Ronda Drive.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. - The mother of 18-year-old tennis star Braun Levi is scheduled to speak publicly for the first time Monday following the recent filing of murder charges against the woman accused of striking and killing her son while allegedly driving under the influence in Manhattan Beach.

What we know:

Jenia Resha Belt, 33, faces charges of murder, gross vehicular murder while intoxicated, and driving with a suspended license in connection with the death of Braun Levi, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

The collision occurred around 12:45 a.m. on May 4, 2024 in the 100 block of South Sepulveda Boulevard while Levi was walking with a friend. 

Belt was initially arrested shortly after the crash but was released a month later.

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Following new charges filed on Dec. 18, she was taken back into custody by investigators and is currently being held on $2 million bail. 

Court records indicate that at the time of the fatal crash, Belt was driving on a suspended license related to a previous DUI arrest from November 2023.

The backstory:

Levi was a celebrated student-athlete whose family had recently moved to Manhattan Beach after losing their home in the Palisades Fire. 

A nationally ranked tennis player, Levi served as the varsity captain at Loyola High School for three years and was set to attend the University of Virginia on a tennis scholarship.

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Beyond his athletic achievements, he was an active member of his school community, serving on the student council and as a retreat leader.

What they're saying:

Tributes from Levi’s school and the tennis community poured in following his death.

"Braun was a shining presence in our Loyola family, bringing light, joy and inspiration to everyone he touched," Loyola High School posted on its website. "As the varsity tennis team captain for three years, Braun was a true leader and student athlete, serving as a member of the student council, a senior big brother, kairos retreat leader and volleyball team manager."

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The U.S. Tennis Association Southern California stated that Levi "had a way of brightening every room he walked into; he was radiant. His sportsmanship never wavered. And his love — for tennis, people, and life — was always evident."

Friend and doubles partner Cooper Schwartz recalled, "At any tournament we played together, Braun was a celebrity. He somehow had a memory made with at least every single player in the draw... Braun was SoCal tennis royalty, everyone knew him, and everyone loved him."

Timeline:

November 2023: Belt is arrested for a prior DUI, leading to a license suspension.

May 4, 2024: Levi is struck and killed in Manhattan Beach; Belt is arrested shortly after.

June 2024: Belt is released from custody.

September 2024: Belt pleads no contest to a previous hit-and-run charge as part of a plea deal.

December 18, 2024: Prosecutors file formal murder and gross vehicular murder charges against Belt.

December 23, 2024: Belt is taken back into custody by the District Attorney’s Office.

December 29, 2024: A news conference is scheduled with District Attorney Nathan Hochman and Jennifer Levi.

What's next:

The 10 a.m. news conference on Monday will provide further details on the prosecution's case. 

Following a judicial order on Wednesday, Belt’s arraignment has been re-scheduled for Jan. 13, 2026.

She remains held at the Manhattan Beach jail as the legal proceedings move forward.