SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating after a body was found in a burning SUV in Wichita and have identified the victim as 17-year-old Elisabeth Renteria of Wichita.
Just before 4 a.m. on January 29, officers responded to a check shots call in the area of Battin and Osie in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson. Police located a 2002 Ford Expedition engulfed in flames, in a grassy area near an apartment building on Elpyco.
The Wichita Fire Department (WFD) responded to assist on the call and extinguished the fire. After the fire was extinguished, Renteria’s body was found inside. Investigators are working with the Regional Forensic Science Center to determine the cause of death.
On January 30, police arrested Laura Branning, 30, on requested charges of arson and criminal desecration: unauthorized control of a dead body. Through the investigation, investigators were able to determine Branning’s involvement in the fire of the Expedition.
The investigation is ongoing, and investigators are doing further interviews on the case. The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office. Additionally, Branning has previously been arrested and convicted on charges that include flee/attempt to elude a law enforcement officer and possession of narcotic drugs.