The parents of an 18-year-old Loyola High School student killed by an alleged drunk driver have filed a $200 million wrongful death lawsuit, vowing to push for tougher California DUI laws in their son's memory.
Jennifer and Daniel Levi announced the lawsuit against Jenia Belt, the woman accused of striking and killing their son Braun Levi in Manhattan Beach on May 4. The family said all proceeds will benefit the Live Like Braun Foundation, established to raise awareness about impaired driving.
"This is not a decision rooted in anger, vengeance, or financial gain," Jennifer Levi said. "It is a decision grounded in accountability, prevention, reform, and the unwavering love we have for Braun."
The lawsuit, filed by attorneys Spencer Lucas, Bobby Reagan and Alec Clark of Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP, seeks $200 million in damages plus punitive damages against Belt, a repeat offender who was driving on a suspended license.
Braun Levi was crossing Sepulveda Boulevard near 2nd Street around 12:45 a.m. when Belt's silver Infiniti FX35 struck him. The force of the impact propelled the teen down the roadway, causing catastrophic injuries. He was rushed to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center but died shortly after.
At the scene, Belt admitted to officers she had been drinking before driving. A blood-alcohol test revealed her level was 0.19%, more than twice California's legal limit of 0.08%. Police records showed Belt's driver's license had been suspended in January 2024 as part of a plea deal for a misdemeanor hit-and-run in which a related DUI charge was dismissed.
"As a repeat offender, Jenia Belt knew the inherent risks of driving under the influence, and she must be held accountable for her negligence," Lucas said. "Not only has she stolen the life of an incredible young man, but she has forever changed the lives of those who loved him."
Belt, 33, of Los Angeles, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of DUI and vehicular homicide. She now faces charges including murder under California's "Watson" law for repeat DUI offenders. After initially being held without bail, Belt was released pending trial — a decision that has angered the Levi family and community members.
The tragedy occurred just weeks before Braun Levi's high school graduation. He was one of Loyola High School's most accomplished athletes, having won four consecutive tennis league championships, including three as team captain. He had been admitted to the University of Virginia to play tennis in the fall.
After losing their home to the Palisades Fire earlier this year, the Levi family had moved to the South Bay, where Braun and a classmate established a peer-to-peer counseling group for students displaced by the fires. Hundreds attended a candlelight vigil the day after his death.
The case has intensified criticism of California's DUI laws, which advocates say are among the most lenient in the nation. In California, a driver typically cannot be charged with a felony DUI until a fourth offense within 10 years, absent serious injury. Some other states classify a second DUI as a felony.
"Our family has made the decision to file a civil lawsuit against the individual responsible for taking Braun’s life," said Jennifer Levi. "This is not a decision rooted in anger, vengeance, or financial gain. It is a decision grounded in accountability, prevention, reform, and the unwavering love we have for Braun."
Pat Rillera, a regional director with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, agreed. "We have terrible laws in California that need to be fixed," he said, noting the state's DUI enforcement system is too lax.
Jennifer Levi, who has joined MADD's state legislative board, is now championing "Braun's Bill," a proposal to reclassify DUI crashes that cause death as violent felonies. The change would mandate tougher sentences and treat drunk-driving fatalities more seriously.
Alcohol-related road deaths in California have jumped more than 50% over the last decade. Gov. Gavin Newsom's office has said he would consider any DUI reform bill passed by the legislature.
The Levi family hopes their lawsuit and advocacy will prevent similar tragedies.
"We stand with the Levi family in seeking justice for Braun and creating lasting change by reforming California's DUI laws to prevent tragedies from impaired driving," Lucas said.