Key Takeaways:
- Braun Levi, an 18-year-old tennis star, was killed by a two-time drunk driver in Manhattan Beach, California.
- The driver, Jenia Resha Belt, has a previous conviction for driving drunk and was driving with a suspended license and a blood alcohol level almost twice the legal limit.
- Braun’s mother, Jennifer Levi, is calling for stricter DUI penalties in California, stating that the current laws are "broken and weak".
- California’s DUI laws have fallen behind the curve, with roadway deaths steadily rising since 2010 and alcohol-related deaths increasing by 50% over the last decade.
- A new bill is being proposed to restructure the state’s DUI penalty laws and requirements.
Introduction to the Tragedy
The mother of a local tennis star, Jennifer Levi, has joined Los Angeles County prosecutors in calling for stricter DUI penalties in California after her son, Braun Levi, was killed by a two-time drunk driver. Braun, an 18-year-old South Bay tennis standout, was struck and killed by a car in the early-morning hours of May 4 in Manhattan Beach. The driver, 33-year-old Jenia Resha Belt, was behind the wheel, speeding while driving on a suspended license and with a blood alcohol level almost twice the legal limit. Belt has a previous conviction for driving drunk, making this incident even more tragic and preventable.
The Impact on the Family
Braun’s death has had a devastating impact on his family, particularly his mother, Jennifer Levi. At a news conference, Levi expressed her grief and frustration with the current DUI laws in California, stating that they are "broken and weak" and fail to protect families like hers. She remembered her son as a kind and compassionate person who had a smile and a heart for everyone. Levi’s pain and loss are still fresh, and she is determined to make a change to prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future. She plans to work with state Sen. Bob Archuleta to write and pass a bill that will restructure the state’s DUI penalty laws and requirements.
The Larger Trend of DUI-Related Deaths
Braun’s death is part of a larger trend of DUI-related deaths over the last 15 years. According to a CalMatters investigative series, roadway deaths have been steadily rising since 2010, partially due to repeat drunk drivers and people driving over the speed limit. Alcohol-related deaths have increased by 50% over the last decade, making it a serious concern for law enforcement and policymakers. Los Angeles County prosecutors, including Dist. Atty. Nathan J. Hochman, are sounding the alarm and calling for stricter penalties and enforcement to prevent these senseless deaths.
The Need for Stricter DUI Laws
California’s DUI laws, although considered nation-leading in the 1980s, have fallen behind the curve. Hochman warned drivers, especially ahead of the New Year’s holiday, that his office would continue to charge them — and potentially those who overserve alcohol at bars or parties — with serious crimes. He emphasized that the issue is a "fight for people’s lives" and that his office would come after those who engage in reckless behavior on the roads. The proposed bill to restructure the state’s DUI penalty laws and requirements is a step in the right direction, but it will require a concerted effort from lawmakers, law enforcement, and the community to make a meaningful impact.
The Case Against the Driver
Jenia Resha Belt, the driver responsible for Braun’s death, is facing serious charges, including second-degree murder, felony gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and a misdemeanor count of driving with a suspended license after a DUI. She is being held on $2-million bail and faces life in prison if convicted. Her arraignment is scheduled for January 13. The case against Belt is a stark reminder of the consequences of driving under the influence and the importance of holding drivers accountable for their actions.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The death of Braun Levi is a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of driving under the influence. His mother, Jennifer Levi, is calling for stricter DUI penalties in California, and it is essential that lawmakers and law enforcement take action to prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future. The proposed bill to restructure the state’s DUI penalty laws and requirements is a step in the right direction, but it will require a concerted effort from the community to make a meaningful impact. As Dist. Atty. Nathan J. Hochman said, "We are here to prevent crimes and send crystal clear messages to would-be drunk and drug drivers, to people who want to engage in excessive speed on our roads: We will come after you." It is time for California to take a stand against drunk driving and make its roads safer for everyone.