Motorist accused in death of high school tennis star pleads not guilty

TORRANCE, Calif. (KESQ) - A woman who was allegedly driving drunk when she fatally struck an 18-year-old Loyola High School tennis star in Manhattan Beach just weeks before he was set to graduate pleaded not guilty today to murder and other charges.

Jenia Resha Belt, 33, was initially arrested shortly after the crash that occurred around 12:45 a.m. May 4 in the 100 block of South Sepulveda Boulevard, but she was released from custody a month later, according to jail records.

Belt was charged Dec. 18 with murder, gross vehicular murder while intoxicated and driving with a suspended license in the death of 18-year-old Braun Levi. Belt was arrested and has remained in custody in lieu of $2 million bail.

She is due back in court March 12, when a date will be set for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence for her to stand trial.   

Levi, whose family had relocated to Manhattan Beach after losing their home in the Palisades Fire, was walking with a friend along Sepulveda Boulevard when he was struck. He was taken to a hospital, where he died, authorities said.

Levi was nationally ranked in tennis, and his family told reporters he was bound for the University of Virginia.   

Jennifer Levi, Braun's mother, spoke at a downtown Los Angeles news conference on Dec. 29 with District Attorney Nathan Hochman and other elected officials, saying California needs to be tougher on drunk driving.   

"The feeling, the sight, the smell of identifying our son's body will never leave my mind, body or soul,'' Levi said. "So I will not be silent. That's why I'm committed to advancing a new bill to restructure California DUI sentencing and punishment.''

Following Levi's death, Loyola High School posted on its website, "Braun was a shining presence in our Loyola family, bringing light, joy and inspiration to everyone he touched. As the Varsity tennis team captain for three years, Braun was a true leader and student athlete, serving as a member of the Student Council, a senior Big Brother, Kairos retreat leader and volleyball team manager.

"... May his family find peace, strength and solace in the embrace of our collective love and support.''

The U.S. Tennis Association Southern California published an extensive tribute to Levi, saying he ``had a way of brightening every room he walked into; he was radiant. His sportsmanship never wavered. And his love -- for tennis, people, and life -- was always evident.''