Repeat Hit-and-Run Offender Who Killed Bicyclist to Be Released Early

California mother outraged as driver who killed her son in 2020 prepares for early release after serving less than 3 years

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A 28-year-old California woman named Neomi Velado, who was sentenced to 9 years in prison in 2023 for felony vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and felony hit-and-run for killing a 21-year-old bicyclist while texting and under the influence, is set to be released after serving less than 3 years due to credits earned through a fire camp program. The victim's mother, Kellie Montalvo, is outraged by the early release, as Velado had been at fault in 4 previous crashes, including 3 while on her phone, before the fatal incident.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about repeat offenders and the perceived leniency of the criminal justice system, especially when it comes to vehicular crimes that result in loss of life. It also raises questions about sentencing guidelines, credit programs, and whether current laws adequately punish and deter dangerous driving behaviors.

The details

In June 2020, Neomi Velado struck and killed 21-year-old bicyclist Benjamin Montalvo in Corona, California while texting and under the influence of alcohol and marijuana. Velado fled the scene, but was later apprehended. She was sentenced in 2023 to 9 years in prison for felony vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and felony hit-and-run. However, Velado is now set to be released after serving less than 3 years, largely due to credits earned through a fire camp program.

  • In June 2020, Velado struck and killed Benjamin Montalvo.
  • In 2023, Velado was sentenced to 9 years in prison.
  • Velado is set to be released as early as this month (February 2026).

The players

Neomi Velado

A 28-year-old California woman who was sentenced to 9 years in prison in 2023 for felony vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and felony hit-and-run for killing a 21-year-old bicyclist while texting and under the influence. She is now set to be released after serving less than 3 years.

Kellie Montalvo

The mother of the 21-year-old bicyclist, Benjamin Montalvo, who was killed by Velado in 2020. She is outraged by Velado's early release.

Benjamin Montalvo

The 21-year-old bicyclist who was killed by Velado in a hit-and-run crash in 2020.

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What they’re saying

“It's a huge slap in the face. It isn't enough time to have made a difference in someone that has four hit-and-runs and shows no consciousness of guilt.”

— Kellie Montalvo, Mother of victim (KABC)

What’s next

Kellie Montalvo has appealed to Governor Gavin Newsom's office, hoping a review will show the credit calculation for Velado's early release is wrong. While the governor cannot cancel the release, he can order the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to reexamine the math.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing criminal justice reform efforts with the need to hold repeat, dangerous offenders accountable for their actions. It underscores the importance of strengthening laws and sentencing guidelines around vehicular crimes that result in loss of life, in order to better protect public safety and provide justice for victims' families.