From Newsgroup: rec.bicycles.tech

A California woman who killed a cyclist in her fourth distracted-driving
crash is cruising to an early release from prison rCo and her victimrCOs
family is outraged.

Neomi Velado, 28, struck and killed 21-year-old Benjamin Montalvo in
2020 while he was out riding with friends in Corona, Riverside County.

High and texting at the time of the crash, Velado began serving a
nine-year prison term for vehicular manslaughter in 2023.

But less than three years later Velado is set to be released early for
good behavior.

And BenjaminrCOs mother, Kellie Montalvo, is furious that Velado is set to stroll out of the California Institution for Women in nearly Chino on ValentinerCOs Day.

rCLItrCOs a gut punch and an outrage for sure,rCY said Montalvo, who lives in Corona with her husband and has three other sons. rCLThererCOs no way this woman has been rehabilitated in just two-and-a-half years.rCY

Montalvo said Benjamin was rCLa lightrCY who brought joy to his many friends and enjoyed playing football, soccer and basketball, as well as cycling.

BenjaminrCOs death has destroyed the once-happy Montalvo family, she said.

Police said Velado was impaired and texting when she struck MontalvorCOs
son. Velado fled the scene of the crash and even replaced her smashed windshield to cover up the crime, prosecutors said.

Velado was sentenced to nine years for vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and fleeing the scene after committing vehicular
manslaughter, prison officials said.

She had previously been in four previous hit-and-run collisions in which
she was distracted by her phone, Montalvo said.

The crash in which Benjamin was killed was VeladorCOs fifth at-fault crash overall, she said.

Montalvo recently received a letter from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation obtained by The Post, which said Velado
would be released on parole.

Department of Corrections spokesman Emily Humpal explained VeladorCOs
early release by noting she received 124 days custody credit for time
served before she began her sentence.

rCLThe earliest possible release date for determinately sentenced
offenders may be moved up based on credits that apply to the personrCOs sentence,rCY Humpal said in a statement. rCLVeladorCOs earliest possible release date is February 2026.rCY

Humpal wouldnrCOt say if Velado would be allowed to drive legally upon her release. Lawyers for Velado couldnrCOt immediately be reached.

Montalvo said earlier this week she appealed to Gov. Gavin NewsomrCOs
office in an attempt to postpone VeladorCOs scheduled release date of Feb.
14, but NewsomrCOs office couldnrCOt help.

The prosecutors of VeladorCOs case are also against VeladorCOs early
release, said Riverside County District Attorney spokesman John Hall.

rCLWhile we respect the legal process, public safety remains our top priority,rCY said Hall in a statement. rCL[We] strongly oppose her release
as she has demonstrated that she is a danger to our community.rCY

Montalvo said sherCOs still wishful that Velado wonrCOt be released early,
but sherCOs losing hope.

rCLIf they do let her out, I just hope she doesnrCOt hurt anyone else,rCY Montalvo said.

https://nypost.com/2026/02/13/us-news/neomi-velado-who-struck-and-killed- 21-year-old-benjamin-montalvo-in-corona-hit-and-run-set-for-early-release
/

Serves California and their stupid "bikes have rights" bullshit right.

California voters let the legislature reduce two lanes down to one while
giving cyclists complete access to the one they took. Only ignorant
Democrats would expect a 20,000 pound truck to yield to bikes on public
roads.
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