Drunk Driver Blamed for Phoenix Car Accident that Killed Kaniesha Sutton

Phoenix, Arizona—Kaniesha Sutton, age 16, was killed early this morning when the vehicle she was riding in crashed into a block fence.

According to investigators with the Phoenix Police Department, Ms. Sutton was a passenger in a 2003 Nissan Pathfinder driven by Kelvin Allen. Mr. Allen was driving northbound on 16th Street near Roeser when he lost control of the SUV and crashed into the fence.

There were six or seven people in the vehicle at the time of the crash. Ms. Sutton was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. Other passengers in the vehicle reportedly escaped with only minor injuries.

Police officers conducted field sobriety tests and concluded that Mr. Allen was impaired. He was arrested and charged with manslaughter, aggravated assault and endangerment.

We offer our deepest condolences to Kaniesha Sutton's family and friends for their tragic loss, made worse by the reckless actions of Mr. Allen.