Marina
A deadly crash in Hazelwood, Missouri, led to tragic consequences for the Wolfe family when 12-year-old Travis Wolfe lost his life.
The woman behind the wheel, Endrina Bracho, is facing multiple charges, including involuntary manslaughter and assault.
However, due to immigration issues, her trial has been delayed, causing concerns about justice for the victims and her own children, who were also injured in the crash.
Immigration Issues and the Delay in Trial:
Endrina Bracho, who was initially scheduled to appear in court in August 2024, has not been able to attend her trial due to her current detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Kentucky.
Despite being accused of causing a fatal crash, she remains in ICE custody, which has led to a significant delay in her trial.
A court order was issued to bring Bracho to St. Louis for her trial, but the transfer has not yet occurred due to immigration-related complications.
Her defense team and the St. Louis Prosecuting Attorney’s Office have confirmed that Bracho is now scheduled for a court appearance on May 23, 2025.
The Fatal Crash:
The crash occurred in 2023 on Dunn Road in Hazelwood, Missouri. According to police reports, Bracho was driving at a dangerously high speed, 35 miles per hour over the limit, when the car veered into the path of another vehicle, resulting in a head-on collision.
The tragic crash claimed the life of 12-year-old Travis Wolfe and left Bracho’s children injured.
Charges Against Bracho:
Bracho is facing serious charges, including:
- Involuntary manslaughter for the death of Travis Wolfe.
- Assault for the injuries sustained by her children and others involved in the crash.
- Endangerment of her own children for placing them in harm’s way by driving recklessly.
Her actions on the day of the crash have raised serious concerns, not just regarding her driving but also about her legal status in the United States.
Immigration Complications:
Bracho is reportedly in the United States illegally, which has significantly complicated the proceedings. She has been in ICE custody since December 2024, and despite efforts from her defense attorney and local officials, her trial has been postponed due to the federal agency’s control over her status.
U.S. Senator Josh Hawley has expressed concern about the situation, emphasizing the importance of ensuring Bracho stands trial. “My view and my request to ICE is that she be returned,” Hawley stated. “I think it is important for justice.” While ICE operates independently of state courts, Hawley has urged them to release Bracho for her trial.
The Legal Battle:
Bracho’s legal team and the St. Louis Prosecuting Attorney’s Office are actively working to resolve the situation. As of now, the trial has been delayed multiple times.
The most recent update from the court suggests that Bracho will face trial on May 23, 2025.
| Key Dates | Events |
|---|---|
| August 2024 | Original trial date for Endrina Bracho |
| December 2024 | Bond reduction granted, Bracho remains in ICE custody |
| May 23, 2025 | Bracho’s next court appearance scheduled |
Challenges in Prosecuting Bracho:
The delay in Bracho’s trial presents significant challenges for both the prosecution and the victims’ families. Jason Glaser, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for St. Louis County, expressed his concerns in March 2025, stating, “We are concerned that there is a chance if she is deported, that we will not be able to prosecute her and bring justice for both the Wolfe family and her children.”
This situation also poses legal complexities. Federal law, which governs immigration, often supersedes state law. While state officials are pushing for Bracho to return to Missouri to face trial, ICE holds the ultimate authority in the matter, complicating the process.
The case of Endrina Bracho remains a point of legal and emotional tension. The Wolfe family continues to seek justice for the death of their son, and Bracho’s own children are left in a difficult situation, injured in a crash that was the result of their mother’s reckless driving.
The delay caused by immigration issues has raised questions about the balance between federal authority and the need for a timely, fair trial at the state level.
As the trial date approaches, the community watches closely, hoping for resolution and justice for all parties involved.