Home / Crime and Justice / Hit-and-Run Driver Freed Early; Family Seeks Stricter Laws
Hit-and-Run Driver Freed Early; Family Seeks Stricter Laws
15 Feb
Summary
- Driver released after serving only 2.5 years of a 9-year sentence.
- Victim's family advocates for stricter laws for repeat offenders.
- Family received no remorse from the driver who killed their son.
Benjamin Montalvo, 21, was killed in a hit-and-run incident in June 2020 while cycling near Centennial High School. The driver, Neomi Velado, was reportedly texting and impaired, striking Montalvo from behind and causing fatal injuries. Velado allegedly fixed her windshield before reporting to work and eventually surrendered to authorities.
Montalvo's family received notification from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation that Velado was eligible for early release. She was subsequently freed on Saturday, February 15, 2026, having served just two and a half years of her nine-year sentence, which began in 2023. The family stated Velado has shown no remorse.
In response to the early release, the Montalvo family is actively campaigning to change state law. They have met with representatives from Governor Gavin Newsom's office, who have committed to strengthening penalties for repeat offenders. The family organized a vigil to ensure Montalvo's life is remembered and to channel their grief into action for legislative reform.
