Kansas mom fights for justice in daughter's death after head-on drunk driving crash

JEFFERSON COUNTY (KSNT) - The family of an airman with the Kansas Air National Guard killed in a drunk driving crash in 2022 are finding closure after the tragedy this year.

27 News is following up on the court case of Manuel Enriquez, 36, of Kansas City who was accused of killing 23-year-old Cheyenne Branson in a crash in Jefferson County on Nov. 12, 2022. Branson's mom is also giving her thoughts on the case and how it has left her following the death of her only child.

Enriquez was driving a Chevy Silverado east on U.S. Highway 24 not far west of Third Street in Jefferson County in the evening when his vehicle crossed the center line and hit a Chevy Cruze, driven by Cheyanne, head-on, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol. Branson was declared dead at the scene while Enriquez was arrested on suspicions of driving under the influence and murder in the second degree; unintentional but reckless by the sheriff's office.

Branson was serving as a career development specialist with the Kansas Air National Guard's 190th Air Refueling Wing. She held the rank of staff sergeant at the time of her death.

Enriquez was later charged in Jefferson County and pleaded not guilty to murder in the 2nd degree and driving under the influence in August 2023, according to court documents. He was found guilty on July 25, 2024, of both charges.

Christina Branson, Cheyanne's mother, said the conviction of Enriquez made her feel conflicting emotions. While she felt joy at knowing Enriquez is guilty in her daughter's death, she also said it was ultimately bittersweet as it won't change the past.

"It was dragged out in court for so long and it felt like I couldn't get any closure for her," Christina said. "I refused a plea bargain, I wanted it to go to court."

Friends and family of Cheyanne spoke with 27 News in late 2023 as they worked to honor her memory with a roadside memorial. Christina said she has continued to fight to keep her daughter's legacy alive by following the court case through to the end and plans to bring together a group of friends and family to attend Enriquez's sentencing on Aug. 22, 2024.

"I was kind of mad because he [Enriquez] showed no emotion, no remorse," Christina said. "It didn't seem to affect him."

"I'm glad to see that my niece is getting justice," said Julie Branson, Cheyenne's aunt. "To me, its a bittersweet situation. My heart goes out to his [Enriquez's] family because they have to suffer as well."

Christina said she hopes the severity of punishment for DUI-related crashes increases to help prevent situations like this from happening in the future.

"Not only did he kill my daughter, but he also destroyed his family too," Christina said. "I was just glad of my ability to keep fighting and not give up."

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