Wichita Teen Girl Elisabeth Renteria ID’d As Victim Found Dead In Burning SUV Last Wednesday

WICHITA, KS. (THECOUNT) — Elisabeth Renteria of Wichita, Kansas, has been identified as the teen found dead in a burning SUV las Wednesday.

Last Thursday, Laura Branning, 30, was arrested on charges of arson and criminal desecration: unauthorized control of a dead body.

Investigators say they were able to determine Branning’s involvement in the fire of the Expedition SUV.

According to KAKE, at approximately 3:50 a.m., officers responded to a check shots call in the area of South Battin Street & East Osie Street in Wichita. When they arrived, officers circulated the area and located a 2002 Ford Expedition engulfed in flames, in a grassy area near an apartment building on Elpyco.

After the fire was extinguished, Renteria’s 17-year-old body was found inside. Investigators are working with the Regional Forensic Science Center to determine the cause of death.

If anyone has any additional information on this case, they can call WPD Detectives at 316-268-4407, See Something Say Something Hotline at 316-519-2282 or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

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Geo quick facts: Wichita is a city in south-central Kansas. Exploration Place features hands-on science exhibits and Kansas in Miniature, a display of animated models depicting 1950s Kansas. Old Cowtown Museum recreates 19th-century life with old buildings and costumed guides. Themed gardens at Botanica Wichita include a wildflower meadow and a Chinese garden. The Museum of World Treasures has Egyptian mummies and a T. rex skeleton – wikipedia.