TULSA, Okla. — A father accused of leaving the scene of a car crash that killed his teenage daughter took a plea deal that means little jail time.
WATCH: PLEA DEAL: Father accused of leaving crash that killed daughter takes deal:
Elliott Binney faced charges of:
- First-degree manslaughter
- Leaving the scene of a fatal crash
- Two counts of child neglect
- Reckless Driving
- Transporting an open container
- Driving left of center
The charges stemmed from a 2024 crash in Bixby.
Bixby police said the car Binney was driving left the roadway, rolled over, and ejected Binney's 16-year-old daughter, Shelby, killing her.
Local News
Arrest report, video of father accused of leaving scene of deadly crash
Three other family members were involved in the crash and were treated for their injuries. BPD told 2 News Oklahoma that Binney left the scene of the crash. In the arrest affidavit, Binney told police he took a "gulp" of vodka while driving his family and was passing cars in a no-passing zone. He was later arrested in Checotah.
Binney pleaded guilty and received a 10-year split sentence: 5 years in custody and 5 years on probation. The deal also includes a review after 2 years, which means he could get out in as few as two years.
2 News Anchor Erin Christy did an exhaustive search into Binney's background, including prior convictions. DA Steve Kunzweiler said those cases were not admissible.
Local News
Expansive criminal record for father involved in crash that killed daughter
Kunzweiler calls the case tragic, but feels the recommended sentence is just.
“Shelby passed away because of her dad’s really negligent driving on the roads that day; it was pretty reckless,” he said. “He could have gone to prison for his entire life. I don’t think that’s fair. Straight probation isn’t fair, so we tried to negotiate something that took the facts of the case into account. Obviously, he came forward and accepted responsibility for his conduct, and we have to take that into consideration, too.”
2 News reached out to Binney’s attorney, Allen Smallwood, for comment. He declined an interview, but over the phone, accused the media and the police of ‘spinning’ the story. Smallwood says his client ran from the scene to seek help.
Formal sentencing is set for June 8, 2026.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere --
- 2 News Oklahoma on your schedule | Download on your TV, watch for free. How to watch on your streaming device
- Download our free app for Apple, Android and Kindle devices.
- Like us on Facebook
- Follow us on Instagram
- Watch LIVE 24/7 on YouTube
