Parents of Hit-and-Run Victim Express Anger at Driver’s Early Release from Prison
Family Outraged Over Early Release of Driver Who Caused Son’s Death
LOS ANGELES – The family of Benjamin Montalvo is in mourning after discovering that Neomi Renee Velado, the driver responsible for their son’s death, is set to be released from prison after serving just two and a half years of her nine-year sentence.
The incident, which occurred on June 11, 2020, marked the tragic culmination of Velado’s history with distracted driving. According to the Montalvo family, Velado was texting and impaired when she struck 21-year-old Benjamin. After the collision, she allegedly continued to text and fled the scene, making Benjamin the fourth victim of her hit-and-run behavior.
Kellie Montalvo, Benjamin’s mother, expressed her anguish, stating, "He was struck and killed by an impaired and texting driver who, after she struck him, continued to text." This was not Velado’s first run-in with the law; she has a record of previous hit-and-run incidents.
Eddie Montalvo, Benjamin’s father, described the family’s ongoing suffering: "The rest of our lives is the same thing… suffering the pain. I don’t think it’s right. It’s not right." After turning herself in, Velado reportedly celebrated in Las Vegas shortly after posting bail.
A key element of the family’s distress stems from Velado’s early release. Convicted of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and felony hit-and-run, Velado is expected to leave prison after serving only 28% of her sentence. Kellie Montalvo noted that the family was informed of potential "good merit credits" contributing to this early release.
Moses Castillo, a victim’s advocate working with the Montalvo family, emphasized the emotional toll of this situation, saying, "It’s re-victimizing this family all over again."
As the family grapples with their loss, they have reached out to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for clarification on Velado’s release, but have yet to receive a response.
