Girl, 12, Killed by Dad's Rolling SUV After Her 1st Date

A Pittsburgh man was taken into custody after his vehicle rolled over and dragged his 12-year-old daughter after her first date.

Fifty-three-year-old Richard Benton was in custody awaiting arraignment Monday after police say he refused a breath test following the accident that killed Shamera Harris.

Harris' mother and brother were also in the vehicle when Benton dropped off the girl's date after a movie, according to investigators.

Police say Benton told them he thought the sport-utility vehicle was in park before it rolled over the girl who had gotten out of the vehicle to take some pictures about 8 p.m. Sunday.

"I jumped in and I tried to steer it," said Carla Harris, the girl's mother. "I tried."

Authorities say the SUV dragged the girl about 50 feet before striking a tree. Harris, a school crossing guard, says she tried to perform CPR on her daughter. But by then it was too late. Shamera was pronounced dead at the scene.

Benton was arrested and charged with driving while under the influence. Police say he smelled of alcohol and slurred his words.

"If I would've known he was drinking, I had my own vehicle outside," Carla Harris said. "He took our daughter's life. And I can't forgive him for that." 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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