Driver In Manhattan Beach Crash That Killed High School Tennis Star Answers To Murder Charge

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — A woman accused of driving drunk when she fatally hit an 18-year-old high school tennis star in Manhattan Beach has pleaded not guilty.

Jenia Resha Belt, 33, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to all charges, including murder, in connection with the May death of Braun Levi.

Fatal Crash

Manhattan Beach police responded to a report of a vehicle hitting a pedestrian just before 1 a.m. Sunday, May 4, the police department announced.

Despite efforts to save the pedestrian, later identified as Levi, he later died at a hospital, police said.

Police said Belt told officers she drank “Moscow mule at a bar in Hermosa Beach before getting into the SUV to drive,” according to court documents obtained by Southern California News Group. Belt's blood alcohol content was 0.19%, more than double the legal drinking limit in California, the news outlet reported.

At the time of the crash, Belt was driving on a suspended license, which was part of a plea deal in connection with a 2023 DUI hit-and-run, according to court records obtained by Southern California News Group.

In November, Levi’s parents sued Belt for $200 million in damages, as well as punitive damages, the law firm Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP announced in a written statement.

“As a repeat offender, Jenia Belt knew the inherent risks of driving under the influence, and she must be held accountable for her negligence,” the family’s attorney, Spencer Lucas, said in the written statement. “Not only has she stolen the life of an incredible young man, but she has forever changed the lives of those who loved him.”

High School Tennis Star

The Levi family moved to the South Bay after losing their home in the Palisades Fire, the lawyers said.

RELATED: 'His Death Haunts My Every Breath,' Says Mom Of 18-Year-Old Killed In Manhattan Beach DUI Crash

Levi attended Loyola High School, where he served as the tennis team’s captain, according to the lawyers.

Levi, who had been admitted to the University of Virginia to play tennis, died just weeks shy of graduation, the attorneys said.

Suspect DUI Driver Arrested

About a month after the deadly crash, Belt was released from jail custody, according to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department’s booking log, The Los Angeles Times reported.

In a November email to Patch, Zara Lockshin with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said Belt had not been formally charged but that an investigation was ongoing.

Belt was taken into custody on Dec. 23, the Manhattan Beach Police Department said.

She was charged Dec. 29 with murder and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving with a suspended license, prosecutors said.

If convicted as charged, prosecutors said Belt could face up to 15 years in prison.

Belt remains in jail on $2 million bail and is expected to appear in court again March 12, when a date will be set for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence for her to stand trial.

City News Service contributed to this report.