DETROIT – Family members of a pregnant woman found slain in a vacant building in Southwest Detroit say she was battling addiction and that she was burned alive over a car.
A vigil was held Sunday for 29-year-old Amanda Lynn Benton, who was reported missing Wednesday out of Melvindale and found dead Friday in a vacant home on Vanderbilt Street, near West End Street.
Family members said the mother of four was battling drug addiction but was trying to kick the habit.
“My daughter had some demons she was fighting,” Tom Benton, Amanda’s father, said. “She was turned away from so many different rehabs because she didn’t have the right insurance or enough money.”
Authorities said a 16-year-old boy and a 23-year-old man were taken into custody on unrelated charges. The 16-year-old boy was later arrested in connection with Benton’s death. Police said the 23-year-old man is still being held on unrelated charges.
Benton was 5 1/2 months pregnant, according to family members.
Florine Harper, Benton’s mother, said she was killed over a Dodge Neon. She also said that Benton was burned alive.
“How can someone so young be so evil?” Tom Benton said. “They tortured my daughter."
The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office has received warrant requests.
A GoFundMe account was set up by the family to help pay for the unexpected funeral expenses.
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