Month: January 2026

KCBS

By Joy Benedict, Dean Fioresi

Click here for updates on this story

    LOS ANGELES (KCAL, KCBS) — A Corona family is outraged after learning that the hit-and-run driver who killed their son in 2020 is being released less than three years into her nine-year sentence.

Benjamin Montalvo was just 21 when he was struck from behind while riding a bike with friends in front of his old high school back in June 2020. His parents say the group was heading to meet his brother for a late dinner when it happened.

“She was texting,” said Kelli Montalvo, Benjamin’s mother. “Twenty-four texts were exchanged in the six minutes surrounding the crash.”

The driver, Neomi Renee Velado, was convicted of vehicular manslaughter and felony hit-and-run for the crash. In 2023, she was sentenced to nine years in prison, but now, she’s due for release in February, just over two years into her sentence.

“Stabbed in the heart when it happened, and now a punch in the gut,” said Benjamin’s father, Eddie Montalvo. “When do they care for the victims?”

The Montalvo family received a letter from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation notifying them that Velado would be released next month, adding to what they say is nonstop pain for their son’s loss.

“I keep hoping there is a mistake, that they’ve done a miscalculation,” Kelli Montalvo said.

The family says that they’ve been told that even with her nine-year sentence, it was more likely that Velado would serve half of the time before she was released, assuming she stayed out of trouble.

“Nine years, four and a half, now two and a quarter. … What about us?” Eddie Montalvo asked. “Does anyone think about our family?”

They’ve reached out to CDCR to ask why she’s being released so early, but haven’t yet heard back. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office says it hasn’t been informed why yet either.

Though they believe in second chances, the Montalvo family says they haven’t seen any remorse from Velado since the tragedy occurred.

“This was her fourth hit-and-run,” Kellie Montalvo said.

While they know nothing will bring Benjamin back, they hope that his memory continues to live on and that VElado will somebody understand what was lost.

“The best thing that could happen, is her to attempt to reach out to us and show any kind of sadness, remorse and accept responsibility and then go on and change her life,” Kellie Montalvo said.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Joy Benedict, Dean Fioresi

Click here for updates on this story

    LOS ANGELES (KCAL, KCBS) — A Corona family is outraged after learning that the hit-and-run driver who killed their son in 2020 is being released less than three years into her nine-year sentence.

Benjamin Montalvo was just 21 when he was struck from behind while riding a bike with friends in front of his old high school back in June 2020. His parents say the group was heading to meet his brother for a late dinner when it happened.

“She was texting,” said Kelli Montalvo, Benjamin’s mother. “Twenty-four texts were exchanged in the six minutes surrounding the crash.”

The driver, Neomi Renee Velado, was convicted of vehicular manslaughter and felony hit-and-run for the crash. In 2023, she was sentenced to nine years in prison, but now, she’s due for release in February, just over two years into her sentence.

“Stabbed in the heart when it happened, and now a punch in the gut,” said Benjamin’s father, Eddie Montalvo. “When do they care for the victims?”

The Montalvo family received a letter from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation notifying them that Velado would be released next month, adding to what they say is nonstop pain for their son’s loss.

“I keep hoping there is a mistake, that they’ve done a miscalculation,” Kelli Montalvo said.

The family says that they’ve been told that even with her nine-year sentence, it was more likely that Velado would serve half of the time before she was released, assuming she stayed out of trouble.

“Nine years, four and a half, now two and a quarter. … What about us?” Eddie Montalvo asked. “Does anyone think about our family?”

They’ve reached out to CDCR to ask why she’s being released so early, but haven’t yet heard back. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office says it hasn’t been informed why yet either.

Though they believe in second chances, the Montalvo family says they haven’t seen any remorse from Velado since the tragedy occurred.

“This was her fourth hit-and-run,” Kellie Montalvo said.

While they know nothing will bring Benjamin back, they hope that his memory continues to live on and that VElado will somebody understand what was lost.

“The best thing that could happen, is her to attempt to reach out to us and show any kind of sadness, remorse and accept responsibility and then go on and change her life,” Kellie Montalvo said.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

KCNC

By Tori Mason

Click here for updates on this story

    COLORADO (KCNC) — Hospitals across Colorado are urging people to roll up their sleeves and donate blood as supplies drop during one of the most demanding times of the year.

At Denver Health, a Level 1 trauma center that also handles elective surgeries and major medical emergencies, doctors say blood is a resource they can’t function without.

“It’s extremely important that we have an adequate blood supply,” said Dr. Bailee Olliff, Trauma Medical Director at Denver Health.

Denver Health’s blood bank administers about 500 units of red blood cells every month, along with about 100 units of fresh frozen plasma, which contains clotting factors.

To help put that into perspective, Olliff explained that each unit is about 250 milliliters, meaning it takes about four units to make one liter of blood.

A typical blood donation is also about one unit.

“In your body right now, you have about five liters of blood circulating most of the time,” she said. “When people donate, they’re giving about a unit of blood.”

The need for blood goes far beyond one type of patient.

Trauma patients may require transfusions after everything from car crashes and falls to penetrating injuries, and Denver Health also treats many patients dealing with medical emergencies like gastrointestinal bleeds or those undergoing heart procedures.

“We get a lot of transfers,” she said. “And especially right now for ski season, blunt traumas, falls, car accidents, really anything where you have experienced an injury, you could be at risk for losing blood.”

While Denver Health can work with community partners to bring in additional blood if needed, shortages are still a concern.

She said hospitals have to be judicious and ensure patients are receiving the right products at the right time.

“We’re going to do the right thing for the patient every time,” she said. “We’re going to make sure that we find the resources to take care of our patients here.”

Type O blood is among the most important donations because it can be used quickly in emergencies.

“The most common product transfused here is O blood – either O positive or O negative,” she said. “So if you are an O blood type, it’s actually very important that you donate.”

In severe trauma cases, patients may not be able to tell doctors their blood type or there may not be time to wait.

“We check your blood type right away when you come in for a trauma,” she said. “But O is what we can give to everyone … just as an emergency, until we know your blood type.”

Blood products do have a shelf life, though Denver Health moves through supplies quickly.

She added that Denver Health is able to extend usability by separating whole blood into components when it gets closer to expiration.

“We’re very fortunate to have whole blood here,” she said. “When we see that that is getting close to expiration, we actually spin that down into the different products.”

Most people can sign up to donate, but donors are screened to ensure it’s safe.

“They’re going to ask you a very extensive list of screening questions,” she said. “And then they’re also going to check to make sure that you’re not anemic.”

Some donation organizations also provide extra health information, including blood type and cholesterol screening.

The American Red Cross says the shortage is being driven by a significant drop in donors and disruptions across the country.

“We’re seeing about a 35% decrease in our inventory,” said Andrea Miller, Regional CEO for Colorado and Wyoming.

Miller said winter weather and illness have contributed to the decline.

“We’ve had a lot of storms across the country that have caused over 400 blood drives to be canceled,” she said. “The flu season has really hit them hard, so we’re seeing a lower amount of donors turnout.”

The Red Cross is urging people to make an appointment as soon as possible.

“The easiest way to get ready to donate blood is to go to RedCrossBlood.org and schedule your donation, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS,” Miller said.

For people looking to donate locally, Denver Health will host its own blood drive later this month.

“On Feb. 19, you can actually register through the Red Cross to come to Denver Health and donate and help our community directly,” she said.

Doctors and donation leaders say even one donation can make a difference, especially when it comes to trauma patients who may need blood without warning.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Tori Mason

Click here for updates on this story

    COLORADO (KCNC) — Hospitals across Colorado are urging people to roll up their sleeves and donate blood as supplies drop during one of the most demanding times of the year.

At Denver Health, a Level 1 trauma center that also handles elective surgeries and major medical emergencies, doctors say blood is a resource they can’t function without.

“It’s extremely important that we have an adequate blood supply,” said Dr. Bailee Olliff, Trauma Medical Director at Denver Health.

Denver Health’s blood bank administers about 500 units of red blood cells every month, along with about 100 units of fresh frozen plasma, which contains clotting factors.

To help put that into perspective, Olliff explained that each unit is about 250 milliliters, meaning it takes about four units to make one liter of blood.

A typical blood donation is also about one unit.

“In your body right now, you have about five liters of blood circulating most of the time,” she said. “When people donate, they’re giving about a unit of blood.”

The need for blood goes far beyond one type of patient.

Trauma patients may require transfusions after everything from car crashes and falls to penetrating injuries, and Denver Health also treats many patients dealing with medical emergencies like gastrointestinal bleeds or those undergoing heart procedures.

“We get a lot of transfers,” she said. “And especially right now for ski season, blunt traumas, falls, car accidents, really anything where you have experienced an injury, you could be at risk for losing blood.”

While Denver Health can work with community partners to bring in additional blood if needed, shortages are still a concern.

She said hospitals have to be judicious and ensure patients are receiving the right products at the right time.

“We’re going to do the right thing for the patient every time,” she said. “We’re going to make sure that we find the resources to take care of our patients here.”

Type O blood is among the most important donations because it can be used quickly in emergencies.

“The most common product transfused here is O blood – either O positive or O negative,” she said. “So if you are an O blood type, it’s actually very important that you donate.”

In severe trauma cases, patients may not be able to tell doctors their blood type or there may not be time to wait.

“We check your blood type right away when you come in for a trauma,” she said. “But O is what we can give to everyone … just as an emergency, until we know your blood type.”

Blood products do have a shelf life, though Denver Health moves through supplies quickly.

She added that Denver Health is able to extend usability by separating whole blood into components when it gets closer to expiration.

“We’re very fortunate to have whole blood here,” she said. “When we see that that is getting close to expiration, we actually spin that down into the different products.”

Most people can sign up to donate, but donors are screened to ensure it’s safe.

“They’re going to ask you a very extensive list of screening questions,” she said. “And then they’re also going to check to make sure that you’re not anemic.”

Some donation organizations also provide extra health information, including blood type and cholesterol screening.

The American Red Cross says the shortage is being driven by a significant drop in donors and disruptions across the country.

“We’re seeing about a 35% decrease in our inventory,” said Andrea Miller, Regional CEO for Colorado and Wyoming.

Miller said winter weather and illness have contributed to the decline.

“We’ve had a lot of storms across the country that have caused over 400 blood drives to be canceled,” she said. “The flu season has really hit them hard, so we’re seeing a lower amount of donors turnout.”

The Red Cross is urging people to make an appointment as soon as possible.

“The easiest way to get ready to donate blood is to go to RedCrossBlood.org and schedule your donation, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS,” Miller said.

For people looking to donate locally, Denver Health will host its own blood drive later this month.

“On Feb. 19, you can actually register through the Red Cross to come to Denver Health and donate and help our community directly,” she said.

Doctors and donation leaders say even one donation can make a difference, especially when it comes to trauma patients who may need blood without warning.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

KCNC

By Dillon Thomas

Click here for updates on this story

    COLORADO (KCNC) — The city of Fort Collins has temporarily closed the Fort Collins Mennonite Fellowship church building in Old Town Fort Collins amid detection of methamphetamine contamination. Fort Collins Police Services told CBS Colorado the building was closed to access in mid-December after concerning levels of meth traces were detected in the building.

The church, which is widely known for its outreach to the unhoused and those overcoming addictions, continues to meet off property while they navigate next steps for the building.

“For more than 25 years, the Fort Collins Mennonite Fellowship has opened its doors and hosted those without homes,” said Steve Ramer, pastor of the Fort Collins Mennonite Fellowship.

The church has been in Fort Collins for more than 50 years. The facility in Old Town has become known for its outreach to those needing assistance. That included the church once offering lockers for the unhoused, as well as overnight shelter services for up to 15 people per night. The church would also offer their building, bathrooms and more to those in need of warmth during cold days

However, Ramer said FCPS visited their church Dec. 8 and placed red placards in their windows. Those same placards remain, stating the building is not to be entered due to meth contamination.

“We did get the church tested. There is contamination,” Ramer said.

Ramer said the church did receive bids to have the building cleaned so they could return to hosting services, recovery meetings and more. However, the bids were significantly more costly than they had hoped.

“That range over $70,000 to over $100,000. For a small congregation that will not be easy to do,” Ramer said. “Shutting us down has a very wide reaching impact.”

Fort Collins Police confirmed it’s not seeking criminal charges against anyone involved with the church amid the contamination investigation.

Ramer said he felt Colorado’s laws around methamphetamine contamination were too stringent and made it to where places like churches and libraries could easily be susceptible to being shut down over otherwise healthy levels, in his opinion.

Ramer said he would not allow the church building being closed to prevent his church congregation from continuing to help the unhoused or those battling addictions.

“Of course not. We do not give up,” Ramer said. “We will continue to serve those who God called us to serve.”

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Dillon Thomas

Click here for updates on this story

    COLORADO (KCNC) — The city of Fort Collins has temporarily closed the Fort Collins Mennonite Fellowship church building in Old Town Fort Collins amid detection of methamphetamine contamination. Fort Collins Police Services told CBS Colorado the building was closed to access in mid-December after concerning levels of meth traces were detected in the building.

The church, which is widely known for its outreach to the unhoused and those overcoming addictions, continues to meet off property while they navigate next steps for the building.

“For more than 25 years, the Fort Collins Mennonite Fellowship has opened its doors and hosted those without homes,” said Steve Ramer, pastor of the Fort Collins Mennonite Fellowship.

The church has been in Fort Collins for more than 50 years. The facility in Old Town has become known for its outreach to those needing assistance. That included the church once offering lockers for the unhoused, as well as overnight shelter services for up to 15 people per night. The church would also offer their building, bathrooms and more to those in need of warmth during cold days

However, Ramer said FCPS visited their church Dec. 8 and placed red placards in their windows. Those same placards remain, stating the building is not to be entered due to meth contamination.

“We did get the church tested. There is contamination,” Ramer said.

Ramer said the church did receive bids to have the building cleaned so they could return to hosting services, recovery meetings and more. However, the bids were significantly more costly than they had hoped.

“That range over $70,000 to over $100,000. For a small congregation that will not be easy to do,” Ramer said. “Shutting us down has a very wide reaching impact.”

Fort Collins Police confirmed it’s not seeking criminal charges against anyone involved with the church amid the contamination investigation.

Ramer said he felt Colorado’s laws around methamphetamine contamination were too stringent and made it to where places like churches and libraries could easily be susceptible to being shut down over otherwise healthy levels, in his opinion.

Ramer said he would not allow the church building being closed to prevent his church congregation from continuing to help the unhoused or those battling addictions.

“Of course not. We do not give up,” Ramer said. “We will continue to serve those who God called us to serve.”

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

KCNC

By Karen Morfitt

Click here for updates on this story

    COLORADO (KCNC) — A Denver judge on Tuesday denied bond for a 38-year-old man accused of killing a 2-year-old child. Nicolas Stout is facing charges of murder and child abuse resulting in death.

Stout was arrested on Sunday. Police received a call early that morning reporting that a child was unresponsive. When officers arrived at a home on South Vrain Street in west Denver, CPR was being performed on a 2-year-old girl. She did not survive.

According to arrest paperwork, Stout was the boyfriend of the child’s mother. Police interviewed several roommates at the home. All of them reportedly described Stout as “short fused,” “hot headed” and “very aggressive.”

Stout and the child’s mother initially told officers the girl had been jumping on a bed the previous day and fell, hitting her head. Later, the mother told investigators she saw Stout slap the child twice that night. She said the girl cried briefly, fell asleep and did not wake up the next morning.

Investigators documented bruising across the child’s body — some in various stages of healing — along with a raised bump on her forehead and other injuries. Police also found several bloody towels and wipes in the trash, as well as a bloody handprint. Stout told officers the blood came from trying to clean a bloody lip the child got after falling off the bed.

The child’s father, David Erickson, lives in Pueblo but raised the young girl for the first 18 months of her life before she went to live full-time with her mother. He said he has had his own struggles with drugs and the law, but had turned his life around for his daughter.

“She was the light of my life,” he said. “She completely changed who I was. She showed me the world isn’t as dark as I thought. I’ve been dealt a bad hand, and she was my savior. She taught me how to be tough and strong.”

Throughout the court documents, Stout denies hitting or abusing the child.

A review of his criminal record shows prior cases, including kidnapping and burglary. Denver police records also show multiple calls for service to the home over the past year for issues including weapons and theft.

The Colorado Department of Human Services responded to a CBS Colorado request, saying they are not allowed to provide information about any specific reports made to Child Protective Services. A report from their office, anonymously tracking child fatalities, however, was updated with information correlating to the 2-year-old’s death, showing there was prior interaction with this child.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.