Jan 31, 2020

Kan. woman arrested after body found in burned SUV

Posted Jan 31, 2020 5:16 PM
Laura Branning photo Sedgwick Co.
Laura Branning photo Sedgwick Co.

SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide and have a suspect in custody.

On Thursday, Laura Branning, 30, Wichita, on requested charges of arson and criminal desecration unauthorized control of a dead body. The arrest is in connection with a body found in a burning SUV in Wichita.

Just before 4a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a report of shots fired near the 1700 Block of South El Pico in Wichita, according to Captain Brent Allred.

Police on the scene of the investigation early Wednesday photo&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwch.com/content/news/WPD-investigating-burned-vehicle-in-SE-Wichita-567387361.html">courtesy KWCH</a>
Police on the scene of the investigation early Wednesday photo courtesy KWCH

Police located a 2002 Ford Expedition engulfed in flames in a grassy area near an apartment building. Fire crews responded and extinguished the fire and found the body of an individual in the SUV.

Investigators are working with the regional forensics science center to determine the person's identity and confirm the cause of death, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Through their investigation, police were able to determine Branning's involvement with the fire of the vehicle.

Fire department arson investigators are also assisting police to determine if there was an accelerant on or inside the SUV. 

Branning has previous convictions that include flee and attempt to elude law enforcement and for possession of narcotic drugs, according to Davidson.