Justice Served: Murder Charge in Fatal Manhattan Beach Crash of Tennis Star Braun Levi
the tragic death of rising tennis star Braun Levi sent shockwaves through the Manhattan Beach community and beyond. Now, nearly a year after the devastating incident, a significant step towards justice has been taken. Jenia Resha Belt, 33, of los Angeles, has been charged with murder in connection with the May 4th, 2025, collision that claimed BraunS life.This isn’t simply a case of vehicular manslaughter; the severity of the charges reflects the alleged circumstances surrounding the tragedy and highlights the growing legal scrutiny of impaired driving.
This article delves into the details of the case, the charges filed, the ongoing legal proceedings, and the legacy Braun Levi is leaving behind through the live Like Braun Foundation. We’ll explore the implications of charging a driver with murder in a DUI-related incident, and what this means for future cases involving impaired driving and tragic loss of life.
The night of the crash & Initial Inquiry
Around 12:46 a.m. on May 4th, 2025, Braun levi was struck by a vehicle near the intersection of Sepulveda Boulevard and 2nd Street in Manhattan Beach. First responders arrived too find Braun critically injured. Despite their efforts, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The driver, identified as Jenia Resha Belt, was arrested immediately.
Initial reports indicated Belt was driving under the influence, with a blood alcohol level nearly twice the legal limit. Further investigation revealed Belt was also driving with a suspended license due to a prior DUI arrest. Adding to the complexity of the case,four passengers fled the vehicle following the collision,hindering the initial investigation.
From vehicular Manslaughter to murder: A Legal Shift
Initially, Belt faced charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving with a suspended license. Though, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office, under District attorney Nathan Hochman, escalated the charges to murder.This decision is significant.
Traditionally, DUI-related fatalities have been prosecuted as vehicular manslaughter. However, prosecutors are increasingly pursuing murder charges in cases demonstrating a blatant disregard for human life – specifically, when a driver is aware of the risks of driving under the influence and chooses to do so anyway, demonstrating a “depraved heart” or implied malice. This legal strategy aims to hold drivers accountable for the full consequences of their actions and perhaps deter others from driving impaired.
The Levi Family’s Pursuit of Justice & the $200 Million Lawsuit
The loss of Braun Levi was notably devastating for his parents, who had recently relocated to the South Bay after losing their home in the Palisades fire. Grief-stricken, they filed a $200-million wrongful death lawsuit against Jenia Resha Belt in November 2025, seeking accountability and justice for their son’s untimely death.
Braun was a highly promising athlete, a standout tennis player at Loyola High School, and was poised to begin his collegiate career at the University of Virginia. His potential was tragically cut short. In his memory, the Levi family established the Live like Braun Foundation, dedicated to promoting kindness, sportsmanship, and community involvement – values Braun embodied.
Current Status & Next Steps
As of December 24th, 2025, Jenia Resha Belt remains in custody on $
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