At a press conference Monday, Braun Levi’s mother – whose family lost their home in the Palisades fire months before her son’s death – joined Los Angeles County prosecutors to rally against drunk driving, which has “risen dramatically,” District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced
Jennifer Levi, the Manhattan Beach mother who is suing the alleged drunk driver who is accused of killing her 18-year-old son, Braun, in May, joined prosecutors and politicians at a press conference Monday to encourage tougher penalties for drunk drivers.
“California’s current DUI laws are broken and weak,” Levi said, pleading with Governor Gavin Newsom and lawmakers to take action. “We can stop these tragedies…the feeling, the sight, the smell of identifying our son’s body…”
Levi is pushing for “change and safety,” and to prevent other families from suffering losses like the one she suffered on May 4, 2025, when her son, who was crossing Sepulveda Boulevard near 2nd Street, was fatally struck by an accused drunk driver. Prosecutors say 33-year-old Jenia Belt slammed into him while driving her silver Infiniti FX35 while allegedly drunk.
Last week, seven months after the fatal collision, Belt was arrested and charged with one count of second-degree murder, one count of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and one misdemeanor count of driving on a suspended or revoked license, according to the Manhattan Beach Police Department.
It was her second alleged incident behind the wheel while drunk. “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,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said Monday. “My office has zero tolerance for reckless behavior that endangers lives. Driving under the influence is not a mistake; it is a profound disregard for human life. We extend our deepest condolences to the Levi family and everyone grieving this devastating loss.”
Braun Levi’s family has filed a $200 million lawsuit against Belt. Records also show the 33-year-old woman was previously charged with a DUI on November 25, 2023, meaning she was not allowed to drive for nearly two years before Levi’s death.
In that case, the DUI charge was dropped in September 2024, when Belt pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor count of hit and run with property damage.
“As a repeat offender, Jenia Belt knew the inherent risks of driving under the influence and she must be held accountable for her negligence. Not only has she stolen the life of an incredible young man, but she has forever changed the lives of those who loved him,” said the Levi family’s attorney Spencer Lucas. “We stand with the Levi family in seeking justice for Braun and creating lasting change by reforming California’s DUI laws to prevent tragedies from impaired driving.”
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Jennifer Levi, a Mothers Against Drunk Driving California State Legislative Board Member and an Advocate for California DUI Sentencing Reform, has made it her mission to support DUI prevention and awareness since her son’s death. “This is not a decision rooted in anger, vengeance, or financial gain,” she said when the lawsuit was filed. “It is a decision grounded in accountability, prevention, reform, and the unwavering love we have for Braun.”
The Levi family had moved to Manhattan Beach after losing their home in the Palisades Fire just five months before Braun’s death. Braun was a four-time champion tennis star for Loyola High School, where he was the tennis team captain. The teen was also a Catholic retreat leader, student council member, senior big brother, and volleyball team manager who was headed to the University of Virginia on a tennis scholarship.
“He should be planning his future,” CD11 Councilor Traci Park said at Monday’s press conference, where District Attorney Nathan Hochman said DUI crimes have skyrocketed in recent years. “When someone with a known history of impaired driving takes a life, accountability should not be optional.”