NEWS

Teen charged with manslaughter in Gilbert drag-racing death

Anya Rogers

The Republic | azcentral.com

Police said Shaheen Esmaeili was the driver of a 2010 Nissan involved in a 1-1/2 mile drag race down Higley Road in Gilbert and his brother, Shohab Esmaeili, 20, was a passenger.

A 16-year-old has been charged with manslaughter in the April death of a man killed during a drag race in Gilbert.

Benjamin Allen Henry is being charged as an adult in the death of 20-year-old Shohab Esmaeili, Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery announced Wednesday.

Esmaeili's brother, Shaheen, 24, was also charged. Both he and Henry were arrested Monday.

According to Gilbert police, Shaheen Esmaeili and Henry were drag racing on Higley Road at speeds estimated up to 70 mph on April 5. Shohab Esmaeili was a passenger in his brother's car, and police said several witnesses saw the two cars pass them at high speed.

Police said Henry rear-ended the Esmaeilis' car during the race, causing it to hit a fence and roll over into a drainage area. Shohab Esmaeili was pronounced dead at the scene.

Shaheen is currently being held on a $75,000 bond.