The Wichita Police Department has identified the victim in a death investigation case from January 29th, as Elisabeth Renteria, 17, of Wichita.
Officers responded to a shots fired call in the area of Battin and Osie at around 3:50 a.m. The officers found a 2002 Ford Expedition engulfed in flames, in a grassy area near an apartment building on Elpyco.
The Wichita Fire Department was also called to assist on the call and extinguished the fire. Once the fire was out, the body was found inside the vehicle. Investigators are working with the Regional Forensic Science Center to determine the cause of death.
Laura Branning, 30, was arrested on 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. The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's Office.
