Manhattan Beach Police Department.<\/a><\/p>\nIt was her second alleged incident behind the wheel while drunk. \u201cThis case represents an unimaginable loss \u2014 not only for Braun Levi\u2019s family, but for his school, his teammates and an entire community that watched a remarkable young man build a bright future,\u201d Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said Monday. \u201cMy 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Braun Levi\u2019s 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\u2019s death.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs 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,\u201d said the Levi family\u2019s attorney Spencer Lucas. \u201cWe stand with the Levi family in seeking justice for Braun and creating lasting change by reforming California\u2019s DUI laws to prevent tragedies from impaired driving.\u201d<\/p>\n
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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\u2019s death. \u201cThis is not a decision rooted in anger, vengeance, or financial gain,\u201d she said when the lawsuit was filed. \u201cIt is a decision grounded in accountability, prevention, reform, and the unwavering love we have for Braun.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Levi family had moved to Manhattan Beach after losing their home in the Palisades Fire just five months before Braun\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe should be planning his future,\u201d CD11 Councilor Traci Park said at Monday\u2019s press conference, where District Attorney Nathan Hochman said DUI crimes have skyrocketed in recent years. \u201cWhen someone with a known history of impaired driving takes a life, accountability should not be optional.\u201d<\/p>\n