Oklahoma Father Sentenced to Five Years for Leaving Daughter to Die After Crash

Oklahoma resident Elliott Lincoln Binney, 43, was sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter and other charges related to a fatal car crash that occurred on January 11, 2024. The incident left his teenage daughter Shelby dead while he fled the scene on foot.

The crash happened under severe weather conditions when Binney reportedly attempted to pass vehicles on a rain-slicked roadway at high speeds. He admitted to taking a "gulp" of vodka just before losing control of his vehicle, causing it to roll over and eject Shelby from the car. His wife and two other children were also in the vehicle but remained inside.

Despite the admission that he had consumed alcohol, District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler stated there was insufficient evidence beyond reasonable doubt to prove Binney was driving while impaired at the time of the accident. However, the prosecutor emphasized that Binney's reckless behavior led directly to Shelby's death and severe injuries sustained by his wife and other children.

Brittany Binney, Elliott's wife and Shelby's mother, opposed her husband’s imprisonment, arguing that weather conditions were entirely responsible for the crash rather than any impairment from alcohol. She expressed concern about the long-term impact of her husband's incarceration on their remaining family members who are already grappling with the loss of their sister.

The judge ultimately sided with the prosecution's recommendation of a prison sentence between two to five years, acknowledging the unique circumstances surrounding the case but prioritizing justice for Shelby’s tragic death.