Full Breakdown
Outrage Over Early Release of Driver Who Killed Cyclist
2/14/2026, 2:32:43 AM
Fatal Incident and Charges
Neomi Velado, a 28-year-old California woman, is set to be released early from prison after serving less than three years of a nine-year sentence for the vehicular manslaughter of 21-year-old Benjamin Montalvo. The incident occurred on June 11, 2020, in Corona, Riverside County, when Velado, who was high and texting at the time, struck Montalvo while he was cycling with friends. Following the collision, she fled the scene and attempted to conceal her involvement by replacing her damaged windshield. Velado had a history of distracted driving, having been involved in four previous hit-and-run incidents prior to Montalvo's death.
Early Release Controversy
Velado's early release, scheduled for February 14, 2026, has sparked outrage among Montalvo's family and the community. Kellie Montalvo, Benjamin's mother, expressed her disbelief and anger, stating, “It’s a gut punch and an outrage for sure.” She criticized the legal system for allowing Velado to be released after such a short period, questioning the effectiveness of rehabilitation in this case. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation attributed Velado's early release to good behavior credits, including 124 days served prior to her official sentence.
Family's Response and Advocacy
The Montalvo family has been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the legal process. They have appealed to California Governor Gavin Newsom's office to intervene, but their requests have not resulted in any changes to Velado's release date. Riverside County District Attorney spokesman John Hall stated that the office opposes Velado's early release, emphasizing public safety concerns and her demonstrated danger to the community. The Montalvo family is now advocating for legislative changes to prevent similar early releases for offenders convicted of gross vehicular manslaughter and vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
Criticism of the Legal System
Kellie Montalvo articulated her frustration with the justice system, stating, “The system has let us down and we don’t want that.” She highlighted the need for accountability, arguing that Velado's early release could lead to more victims in the future. The family is campaigning to amend laws regarding early release credits for violent felonies, aiming to ensure that offenders like Velado serve a more substantial portion of their sentences.
Conflicting Reports on Release Criteria
While the corrections department has not provided detailed information on how Velado earned sufficient credits for early release, it has confirmed that her release date was determined based on good conduct during her incarceration. Critics, including the Montalvo family, remain skeptical about the fairness of this system, questioning how a repeat offender could be eligible for release after serving less than a third of her sentence.
Verbatim Quotes
- “How can you do this, be a repeat offender, kill somebody and serve two-and-a-half years of a nine-year sentence?” — Kellie Montalvo, Mother of Benjamin Montalvo
- “The system has let us down and we don’t want that.” — Kellie Montalvo, Mother of Benjamin Montalvo
- “While we respect the legal process, public safety remains our top priority,” — John Hall, Riverside County District Attorney Spokesman
- “If they do let her out, I just hope she doesn’t hurt anyone else,” — Kellie Montalvo, Mother of Benjamin Montalvo
