14-Year-Old Girl Strikes, Kills Toddler With SUV, Mother Charged With Manslaughter

ROOSEVELT, Utah – A woman is charged with manslaughter after her 14-year-old daughter struck and killed a toddler while driving a sport utility vehicle in Roosevelt.

The teen was too young to drive.

Police say the girl was backing up when the SUV hit 22-month-old Franchesca Montes on May 15. The teen's mother, Nicole Rodrigues, 34, was in the passenger seat.

Duchesne County prosecutor Grant Charles says Rodrigues is charged with manslaughter, leaving the scene of an accident and allowing her underage daughter to drive.

The teen also is charged with manslaughter, but her case is being handled in Juvenile Court.