The automobile got here careening down Sepulveda Boulevard, collided into Braun Levi and despatched the Loyola Excessive Faculty tennis star flying by way of the air earlier than he slammed into the asphalt.
Levi was an area legend, a nationally ranked tennis participant with 4 Mission League doubles championships beneath his belt and a spot on the College of Virginia awaiting him within the fall.
However only one month earlier than commencement, his vibrant future was reduce quick.
The lady who allegedly struck him round 12:46 a.m. on Could 4 had a blood alcohol stage of practically twice the authorized restrict and was driving on a suspended license from a previous DUI arrest, based on court docket data. Levi was transported to a hospital the place he was pronounced lifeless.
Within the months which have adopted the lethal collision, Levi’s mother and father have funneled their grief into advocacy — launching the Stay Like Braun Basis to boost cash for scholarships and public tennis facilities and consciousness concerning the risks of impaired driving.
Now, they’ve filed a wrongful demise lawsuit in opposition to the alleged drunk driver, Jenia Resha Belt, 33, and are in search of $200,000 in damages for the Stay Like Braun Basis. Belt couldn’t be instantly reached for remark.
“Our household has made the choice to file a civil lawsuit in opposition to the person answerable for taking Braun’s life,” his mom, Jennifer Levi, mentioned in a press release. “This isn’t a choice rooted in anger, vengeance, or monetary achieve. It’s a choice grounded in accountability, prevention, reform, and the unwavering love now we have for Braun.”
Belt was arrested by Manhattan Seaside police on the web site of the crash, which occurred round 12:46 a.m. close to the intersection of Sepulveda Boulevard and 2nd Road.
She was launched from custody on June 4, based on the L.A. County Sheriff’s Division’s reserving log. To date no costs have been filed in opposition to her.
“Specialised prosecutors have been working with investigators from the start and are persevering with to observe the investigation,” a spokesman with the L.A. County district lawyer’s workplace mentioned Tuesday afternoon. “No case has but been formally offered.”
Earlier than entering into the automobile, Belt had consumed “extreme portions of alcohol” at a bar in Hermosa seashore, the criticism alleges. 4 passengers contained in the automobile fled the world after the collision.
“Regardless of understanding and understanding the grave risks related to driving a car whereas inebriated, Defendant Belt willfully selected to function the topic car whereas intoxicated at an unsafe and extreme charge of pace,” the criticism states.
Los Angeles County Superior Court docket data present that Belt had beforehand been charged with DUI stemming from an incident on Nov. 25, 2023, and isn’t permitted to be behind the wheel, based on data supplied to The Occasions by the state Division of Motor Autos.
Occasions employees writers Hannah Fry and James Rainey contributed to this report
