Pastor’s Son Indicted For First-Degree Murder After Running Woman Over With Church Van

A Florida man who ran over a woman with a church van has been indicted for first-degree murder by a grand jury.

The Lakeland Ledger reports that Elijah Stansell, 18, the son of a pastor, was also charged with burglary of an occupied dwelling with battery or assault, conspiracy related to that charge, and accessory after commission of a felony.

Stansell intentionally ran over Suzette Penton, 52, on November 10 to confront her son, Hunter. Penton’s son had previously dated Stansell’s friend Kimberly Stone, 16, and the four of them allegedly went to his house following social media arguments. Stansell and Raven Sutton, 16, attacked Hunter and Penton ran after the van to take photos as they tried to drive off. 

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. that even though there was enough room for the van to get around her, Stansell intentionally ran into her. He then ran her over before fleeing.

Penton spent three weeks in critical condition following the incident before succumbing to her injuries. 

Sutton, Stone, and a third friend, Hannah Eubank, 14, have also been charged with burglary of an occupied dwelling with battery or assault, conspiracy to commit burglary, and accessory after the fact.