A California woman, Neomi Velado, is on the verge of being released early from prison after serving less than three years of a nine-year sentence for killing a cyclist in a distracted driving crash. The victim, 21-year-old Benjamin Montalvo, was struck and killed by Velado in 2020 while he was out riding with friends in Corona, Riverside County.
Velado, who was high and texting at the time of the crash, began serving her prison term in 2023 for vehicular manslaughter. This was not Velado’s first offense, as she had been involved in four previous hit-and-run collisions due to distracted driving. Velado fled the scene of the crash that killed Benjamin and even went as far as replacing her smashed windshield to cover up the crime.
Benjamin’s mother, Kellie Montalvo, expressed her outrage at Velado’s impending release, stating that there is no way Velado could have been rehabilitated in just two-and-a-half years. Benjamin was described as a joyful young man who loved playing sports and cycling, and his death has devastated his family.
Despite Montalvo’s efforts to appeal to Governor Gavin Newsom’s office to postpone Velado’s release, the early release date of February 14 stands. Prosecutors in Velado’s case also oppose her early release, citing public safety concerns as Velado has demonstrated that she is a danger to the community.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation explained that Velado is eligible for early release due to credits for time served before her sentence began. While it is unclear if Velado will be allowed to drive legally upon her release, Montalvo remains hopeful that Velado will not harm anyone else if she is released.
In conclusion, the Montalvo family continues to advocate against Velado’s early release, emphasizing the need to prioritize public safety in such cases. The decision to release Velado early has sparked outrage and concern among those affected by her actions, highlighting the devastating impact of distracted driving accidents. The world of online shopping has exploded in recent years, with more and more people turning to the internet to purchase everything from groceries to clothing to electronics. With the convenience of being able to shop from the comfort of your own home and have items delivered right to your doorstep, it’s no wonder that online shopping has become so popular.
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