Corona Mom Fights Early Release of Driver Who Killed Her Son

Kellie Montalvo says the woman convicted of killing her son could be released this Valentine's Day after serving less than a third of a nine-year sentence.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Kellie Montalvo is outraged that the woman convicted of killing her 21-year-old son Benjamin in a 2020 hit-and-run incident may be released from prison this Saturday, Valentine's Day, after serving less than a third of her nine-year sentence. The family is now urging lawmakers to tighten DUI and hit-and-run laws to prevent similar situations.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about California's prison credit system, which can significantly reduce sentences for some offenders, often surprising victims' families. The Montalvos argue the driver's early release adds further trauma and that stronger laws are needed to hold DUI and hit-and-run offenders accountable.

The details

Neomi Renee Velado was convicted and sentenced to nine years in 2023 for felony vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and felony hit-and-run in the death of Benjamin Montalvo. Prosecutors said Velado had multiple prior at-fault crashes tied to driver distraction. However, the Montalvos recently received a letter stating Velado's earliest possible release date is this Valentine's Day, less than three years into her sentence, due to credits for good conduct and time served.

  • Benjamin Montalvo was killed in a hit-and-run incident in Corona in June 2020.
  • Neomi Renee Velado was convicted and sentenced to nine years in 2023.
  • Velado's earliest possible release date is this Saturday, February 14, 2026 (Valentine's Day).

The players

Kellie Montalvo

The mother of Benjamin Montalvo, the 21-year-old victim killed in the 2020 hit-and-run incident.

Benjamin Montalvo

The 21-year-old victim killed in the 2020 hit-and-run incident in Corona.

Neomi Renee Velado

The woman convicted and sentenced to nine years in prison for the felony vehicular manslaughter and hit-and-run that killed Benjamin Montalvo.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“She gets to be released on Valentine's Day, which is another stab in the gut.”

— Kellie Montalvo (ABC7)

What’s next

The Montalvos plan to travel to Sacramento this week to stand with lawmakers backing new bills to toughen penalties for DUI and hit-and-run crimes. They are also urging the governor's office to review whether the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation applied Velado's credits correctly.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger laws and oversight around the prison credit system in California, which can drastically reduce sentences for offenders in DUI and hit-and-run cases, often to the dismay of victims' families seeking justice and accountability.