Pennsylvania

Abusive Boyfriend Sentenced for Suffocating Teenage Girl After Intentional Crash

Man will serve at least 28 years in prison

A central Pennsylvania man will serve 28 to 56 years behind bars for suffocating his girlfriend after she survived his deliberate, high-speed crash.

Lancaster Online reports Benjamin Klinger pleaded guilty to third-degree murder and was sentenced Friday.

Authorities say Klinger was physically and verbally abusive to 17-year-old Samantha Heller during their turbulent relationship.

In December 2012, prosecutors say Klinger intentionally sped into a guardrail at 100 mph. Police say he sat on Heller after she lived through the wreck near Manheim.

The 21-year-old Klinger apologized in court and said he takes "full responsibility for the loss of a very special person."

The victim's mother, Sandy McFalls, says her heart has been shattered.

Klinger's sentence includes time for a drug charge and for sending sexually explicit photos of a minor.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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