Corona family holds vigil as hit-and-run driver released early

Family and friends of 21-year-old Benjamin Montalvo held a vigil near the site where he was killed in a 2020 hit-and-run on the same day the driver was released from prison early. The family says the release followed earned credits and is pursuing changes to state law after meeting with the governor's office.

Benjamin Montalvo, 21, was struck and killed in a hit-and-run in June 2020 while riding near Centennial High School in Corona. His family and friends held a vigil near the site on the day the driver was released from prison early. The driver, identified in reporting as 28-year-old Neomi Renee Velado, began a nine-year sentence in 2023 and was released after about two and a half years. The Montalvos say they are seeking changes to state law and recently met with a team from Gov. Gavin Newsom's office. Known details: - Benjamin Montalvo was 21 and died after being hit from behind in June 2020 near Centennial High School while with friends. - The driver, Neomi Renee Velado, was sentenced in 2023 to nine years and was released after roughly two and a half years; the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said release credits likely applied but would not provide specific credit information because of state privacy law. - The Montalvo family says Velado was texting at the time of the crash, had prior involvement in other hit-and-run incidents, and has not apologized, according to the family. They held a vigil and placed a cross near the street bearing Montalvo's nickname. - The family met with staff from Gov. Gavin Newsom's office, which the article reports promised efforts to strengthen penalties on repeat offenders. Summary: The family gathered to remember Benjamin and to call attention to the early release of the person convicted in the case. They are working to pursue changes at the state level and have met with the governor's office; further legal or administrative steps are undetermined at this time.