Braun Levi: DUI driver to be arraigned for murder of California teen tennis star
Suspect in Braun Levi death to be arraigned
In May 2025, 18-year old Braun Levi and a friend were walking on Sepulveda Boulevard in Manhattan Beach when he was fatally struck by a drunk driver.
TORRANCE, Calif. - A Los Angeles woman is set to be arraigned today for the death of Braun Levi, a standout high school athlete who was killed by a suspected drunk driver last May.
The backstory:
Jenia Resha Belt, 33, faces multiple felony counts, including murder, after an investigation revealed she was allegedly intoxicated and driving on a suspended license at the time of the fatal Manhattan Beach collision.
The incident happened around 12:46 a.m. on May 4, 2025, in the 100 block of Sepulveda Boulevard.
Investigators determined that Braun Levi, 18, was crossing the street at the intersection of Rhonda Drive when he was struck by a silver Infiniti FX35 driven by Belt.
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- Loyola High School tennis star struck and killed by suspected drunk driver
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Levi was transported to a nearby hospital where he later died from his injuries.
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, Belt's blood alcohol content was 0.19%, and she was driving with a license that had been suspended following a prior DUI arrest.
Braun Levi: Driver charged with murder in teen's death
New charges of murder and gross vehicular manslaughter were filed against Jenia Resha Belt for the DUI hit-and-run death of 18-year-old tennis star Braun Levi.
Timeline:
May 4, 2025: Levi is struck and killed in Manhattan Beach; Belt is arrested at the scene on suspicion of DUI.
June 4, 2025: Belt is released from custody as the district attorney's office continues its investigation.
November 18, 2025: Levi’s parents file a $200 million wrongful death lawsuit against Belt to fund the "Live Like Braun Foundation."
December 23, 2025: Following a seven-month investigation, Belt is formally charged and taken back into custody.
January 13, 2026: Belt is scheduled for arraignment in Torrance.
What they're saying:
In a statement regarding the charges, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said, "This case represents an unimaginable loss — not only for Braun Levi's family, but for his school, his teammates and an entire community that watched a remarkable young man build a bright future." Hochman added that driving under the influence is "not a mistake; it is a profound disregard for human life."
Why you should care:
Levi was a celebrated senior at Loyola High School and a nationally ranked tennis player who had recently committed to the University of Virginia.
His death has sparked a massive community movement for DUI sentencing reform led by his mother, Jennifer Levi, who serves on the Mothers Against Drunk Driving California State Legislative Board.
The case highlights the ongoing dangers of repeat DUI offenders and the devastating impact of impaired driving on local families.
What's next:
Belt remains in custody on $2 million bail.
If convicted of second-degree murder, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and driving on a suspended license, she could face 15 years to life in state prison.
The civil lawsuit filed by the Levi family is also moving forward, with a jury trial requested to hold Belt accountable for the $200 million in damages sought by the parents.
The Source: This report is based on formal charges and toxicology data released by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and investigative findings from the Manhattan Beach Police Department. Direct statements from the Levi family and their legal representatives, alongside details from civil court filings and the official "Live Like Braun" foundation, were incorporated. Additional information was provided by previous FOX 11 reports.