Jenia Belt Los Angeles CA Car Accident – A tragic accident in Manhattan Beach, California, claimed the life of a pedestrian and led to the arrest of a suspected drunk driver early Sunday morning, May 4. According to the Manhattan Beach Police Department, the fatal collision occurred shortly before 1 a.m. on South Sepulveda Boulevard, a major thoroughfare in the area.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene at approximately 12:50 a.m. following reports of a traffic collision involving a pedestrian. Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim lying in the roadway next to a vehicle. The pedestrian, later identified as Braun Levi, was found to have suffered critical injuries as a result of the impact.
Paramedics transported Levi to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment, but despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Officer Chasen Gaunt, speaking on behalf of the Manhattan Beach Police Department, confirmed Levi’s death in a public statement later that day.
Following a preliminary investigation at the crash site, authorities arrested the suspected driver, identified as 33-year-old Jenia Belt of Los Angeles. Belt was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence causing injury and murder. The murder charge indicates that investigators believe Belt’s conduct may have demonstrated a conscious disregard for human life—criteria that elevate DUI cases to second-degree murder charges under California’s legal framework.
Further details about the accident, including whether Levi was in a crosswalk at the time or if speed was a contributing factor, have not been disclosed as the investigation remains active. Police are urging witnesses or anyone with information—particularly those who may have surveillance footage from nearby businesses or homes—to contact the department’s investigations division at 310-802-5098.
The death of Braun Levi has deeply affected the local community, serving as a stark reminder of the grave consequences of impaired driving. Law enforcement agencies across California continue to highlight the dangers of driving under the influence, especially during late-night hours when such incidents are most likely to occur.
Sunday’s incident is one of several DUI-related fatalities reported in Southern California in recent months, prompting renewed calls for stricter enforcement and heightened public awareness. If Belt has a history of prior DUI offenses or has received a “Watson advisement”—a legal warning issued to DUI offenders about the risks of drunk driving—this could substantiate the murder charge. However, authorities have not yet confirmed any details regarding Belt’s criminal history.
As the investigation progresses, formal charges are expected to be filed in the coming days. In the meantime, the community mourns the loss of Braun Levi, whose identity was confirmed by officials after notifying next of kin. No additional personal information about Levi has been released.
This ongoing case continues to unfold, and updates will be shared as new information emerges. Authorities emphasize the importance of responsible driving and encourage residents to report any information that could aid the investigation.
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