The automobile careened down Sepulveda Boulevard, collided into Braun Levi and despatched the Loyola Excessive Faculty tennis star flying by the air.
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 lower brief.
The girl who allegedly struck him round 12:46 a.m. on Might 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 courtroom 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 lift cash for scholarships and public tennis facilities and consciousness concerning the risks of impaired driving.
Now, they’ve filed a wrongful demise lawsuit towards the alleged drunk driver, Jenia Resha Belt, 33, and are looking for $200 million 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 towards the person liable for taking Braun’s life,” his mom, Jennifer Levi, mentioned in an announcement. “This isn’t a call rooted in anger, vengeance, or monetary acquire. It’s a resolution grounded in accountability, prevention, reform, and the unwavering love we now have for Braun.”
Belt was arrested by Manhattan Seaside police on the website of the crash, which occurred round 12:46 a.m. close to the intersection of Sepulveda Boulevard and 2nd Avenue.
She was launched from custody on June 4, based on the L.A. County Sheriff’s Division’s reserving log. Thus far no fees have been filed towards her.
“Specialised prosecutors have been working with investigators from the start and are persevering with to watch 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 moving into the automobile, Belt had consumed “extreme portions of alcohol” at a bar in Hermosa Seaside, the grievance alleges. 4 passengers contained in the automobile fled the realm after the collision.
“Regardless of figuring out and understanding the grave risks related to driving a car whereas drunk, Defendant Belt willfully selected to function the topic car whereas intoxicated at an unsafe and extreme price of velocity,” the grievance states.
Los Angeles County Superior Courtroom 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 Instances by the state Division of Motor Automobiles.
Instances employees writers Hannah Fry and James Rainey contributed to this report.
