Most parents will do whatever they can to protect their children. For one man, this meant waiving an evidentiary hearing so his daughter would not be forced to testify against him. He is facing criminal charges in the death of three teenagers killed in a car accident in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania prosecutors contend that the man allowed his 15-year-old daughter to drive herself and five of her friends to get some breakfast on Aug. 30, 2014. Allegedly, the teen began driving at excessive speeds down a hill. As the vehicle entered a curve, the she lost control of the large SUV. It then rolled several times.

The driver and one passenger were fortunate enough not to suffer any injuries. However, one passenger was seriously injured and three boys in the SUV, all age 15, died in the crash. The man’s daughter is currently facing unknown charges as a juvenile in connection with the crash.

He is facing a multitude of charges that include involuntary manslaughter (three counts), reckless endangerment (six counts) and endangering the welfare of children (two counts). Officials also charged the New York father with allowing his daughter to drive and making false reports. The man was released on a $100,000 bond after he pleaded not guilty to the charges. His arraignment is currently scheduled for March 11.

Regardless of how tragic this case is, that does not erase the fact that this man is entitled to the presumption of innocence, just as anyone else facing criminal charges. Prosecutors will have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt to the court that he is guilty of the crimes with which he is charged. His criminal defense counsel is reportedly already working to resolve the matter and intends to file pretrial motions in the spring.

Source: lohud.com, “Michael Ware waives hearing in Penn. crash that killed 3 teens“, Steve Lieberman, Jan. 29, 2015