High school tennis star killed in 'vehicular accident,' reportedly with drunken driver
The Manhattan Beach Police Department said in a press release that officers responded to a report of a traffic collision between a car and pedestrian on Sepulveda Boulevard in the early morning hours of May 4.
Upon arrival, officers found a victim lying in the street. Life-saving medical efforts were attempted, but the victim succumbed to their injuries, the release said.
Braun Levi, an 18-year-old high school senior, died in the accident, according to multiple local outlets, including The Los Angeles Times and ABC7.
Levi's school, Loyola High School, said on its website May 6 that the 18-year-old "tragically lost his life in a vehicular accident Saturday night."
The Manhattan Beach Police Department did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment.
Levi was 'one of the most accomplished student-athletes,' school says
Levi attended Loyola High School, where he was set to graduate early next month, the school said.
"Braun was a shining presence in our Loyola family, bringing light, joy and inspiration to everyone he touched," Loyola High School said.
Loyola Athletics said on social media that Levi was a star tennis player for the school and had just won his fourth consecutive league championship on April 29.
"Levi, 18, was a four-year Varsity starter for Loyola Tennis and cemented himself as one of the most accomplished student-athletes in program history," the post said.
Loyola Athletics also described Levi as "the ultimate team captain" and a "true leader."
"His lovable personality, infectious smile, and boundless energy made him a beloved member of the Loyola community," the post said.
Start your day informed: Sign up for USA TODAY's Daily Briefing newsletter.
Driver in fatal traffic collision charged with DUI
The Manhattan Beach Police Department said in a press release that the driver of the vehicle in the May 4 fatal traffic collision was 33-year-old Jenia Belt of Los Angeles.
Belt was arrested and charged with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and one count of murder, police said.
Police said the investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information should contact Officer Chasen Gaunt at 310-802-5098.
Melina Khan is a trending reporter covering national news for USA TODAY. She can be reached at MKhan@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 18-year-old tennis star Braun Levi reportedly killed by drunken driver
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
3 hours ago
- USA Today
'Wait, what?': Judge delivers wrong verdict to man on trial in deputy's death
A Georgia judge mistakenly delivered a guilty verdict this week, confusing the courtroom with his announcement. Alton Oliver, 26, went to trial last week on charges in connection with the 2022 fatal shooting of Fulton County Sheriff's Office Deputy James Thomas Jr. Thomas, who was 24, was found dead in a crashed vehicle. Oliver was charged with six criminal counts, officials said, including three counts of murder. On Aug. 15, he was found not guilty and cleared of all charges by a jury of his peers, Judge Henry Newkirk announced. According to 11Alive and Fox 5 Atlanta, Oliver testified he shot Thomas Jr. in self-defense after the deputy propositioned him to get into his vehicle for sex multiple times as he walked home from work at about 4:30 a.m. Oliver's attorneys claimed self-defense throughout the trial, as prosecutors argued his account of events was inconsistent, noting he did not mention any sexual advances when first questioned by police, Fox 5 Atlanta reported. The jury found Oliver not guilty, but Newkirk initially announced a guilty verdict on all six counts. Shortly after, at least two members of the jury were heard saying from the jury box, "Wait, what?" The judge paused, footage from the trial shows, then he reread the verdict. Watch: Hurricane Erin waves slam into North Carolina homes 'Didn't I say 'not'?' Before realizing the mistake, the judge responded, 'Didn't I say 'not'?' He then reread the correct statement, acquitting Oliver of all six criminal charges. "We the jury find the defendant not guilty of all counts," the judge said after correcting himself. Severed heads: 6 human heads found in central Mexico with note found on 1 Who was Deputy James Thomas Jr.? A Mississippi native, Thomas Jr. served with the sheriff's office for less than a year, Sheriff Patrick Labat said in a statement after the shooting. "Deputy Thomas served Fulton County residents with honor and distinction," the sheriff said. "His death is a tragic reminder of the dangers of this job that our deputies are willing to accept every day." According to a GoFundMe created by Briana Lampkin of Dallas, Thomas' dream had been to become a law enforcement officer. "He did just that; followed and lived vividly through his dream guided with love, integrity, and passion," Lampkin wrote on the fundraiser page. "Please keep our family in your prayers and we thank you for continuing to honor (him)." USA TODAY contacted the sheriff's office and Lampkin on Wednesday, Aug. 20, but has not received a response. Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@ and follow her on X @nataliealund.
USA Today
3 hours ago
- USA Today
Four people found dead inside New Hampshire home in potential 'murder-suicide'
Four family members, including two children, were found dead inside a New Hampshire home on the night of Monday, Aug. 18, with their identities released by police the day after. On Tuesday, Aug. 19, officials identified the victims as a 34-year-old mother, a 48-year-old father, an 8-year-old son and a 6-year-old daughter. USA TODAY is not naming the deceased to protect the identity of the toddler. According to a news release from the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office, the incident is currently being investigated as a "potential murder-suicide." Officials said that four bodies were found inside a home in Madbury, New Hampshire, on Monday night after receiving a 911 call. Madbury is located in the state's Seacoast region, northwest of Portsmouth. According to the statement, apart from the four bodies, a toddler was also found alive and uninjured inside the home. "Each of the deceased family members appears to have suffered gunshot wounds, and were pronounced dead at the scene," the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office said. State officials searching for motive New Hampshire Assistant Attorney General Ben Agati told WCVB that investigators currently have more questions than answers. "A lot of things are still on the table as investigators get into it, but there is the possibility and what they're looking at this, potentially, is that it could be a murder-suicide," Agati said, per the Boston-based TV station. Officials added that there is no known threat to the public at this time. Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
USA Today
3 hours ago
- USA Today
Emmanuel Haro disappearance: Police seize father's car in search for missing 7-month-old
Police in California have seized a car belonging to the father of a missing 7-month-old as they investigate the baby's disappearance. The car, which belongs to Emmanuel Haro's father Jake Haro, was "collected for evidence processing," Mara Rodriguez, public information officer for the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department (SBCSD), confirmed to USA TODAY on Aug. 20. "Investigators have not ruled out anyone's involvement and are following up on all leads and tips," Rodriguez said. SBCSD said in a release on Aug. 20 that Jake Haro has retained an attorney, but detectives would still "welcome their cooperation as we continue efforts to locate Emmanuel." Rebecca Haro, Emmanuel's mother, said he was kidnapped outside a retail store in Yucaipa, California, on Aug. 14 before 8 p.m. local time, according to a release from SBCSD. However, police said they found "inconsistencies" in Rebecca Haro's statements and have not ruled out foul play. Possible sighting of missing infant reported, police say Rodriguez confirmed to USA TODAY on Aug. 20 that investigators have received a report of a possible sighting of the infant. The sighting was in Kern County, but no information as to where in the area has been provided to investigators, Rodriguez said. In an update shortly after 2 p.m. ET on Aug. 20, SBCSD said "investigators have followed up on the reported sightings" but Emmanuel Haro has not been located. Kern County is about 180 miles north of the San Bernardino area, including Yucaipa, where Haro was last seen. Cabazon, where Haro is from, is about 20 more miles away from Yucaipa. What happened to 7-month-old Emmanuel Haro? Mother said he was kidnapped Rebecca Haro told news outlets, including KCAL and KTLA, that the family was in Yucaipa for another child's football practice. She said she went to a sporting goods store to buy a mouthguard for her other child when she realized her infant's diaper needed to be changed. She said she was changing her son's diaper outside her car when a man assaulted her and knocked her unconscious. When she regained consciousness, the infant was gone, Rebecca Haro told police. In interviews with local TV stations, Rebecca Haro appeared with a black eye, which she said she got from the assault. "I took him out of the car seat and laid him on the chair. I had his diapers right here, and someone said, 'Hola.' I couldn't even turn. I don't remember nothing," Rebecca Haro told the outlets. USA TODAY has been unable to reach Rebecca and Jake Haro for comment. Police continue to investigate baby's disappearance. Here's what has happened so far. Investigators said in an Aug. 18 update they have "conducted extensive searches" in both Yucaipa and Cabazon. "Investigators have served several search warrants at the Haro home and utilized K9s to aid in the investigation," SBCSD said in a release. Officials also said they are reviewing surveillance video from areas of interest. On Aug. 16, SBCSD said in a release that investigators have not ruled out foul play in Emmanuel's disappearance. Multiple people, including Rebecca and Jake Haro, sat for interviews with investigators. "During those interviews, Rebecca was confronted with inconsistencies in her initial statement and declined to continue with the interview," the sheriff's department said in the release. Emmanuel Haro was last seen wearing a black Nike onesie. He is about 24 inches tall, has brown hair and brown eyes and is cross-eyed, according to police. Anyone with information should call Sheriff's Dispatch at 909-387-3545. Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at
