Former Dairy Queen manager waives arraignment in involuntary manslaughter case

Harley Branham waived formal arraignment Tuesday morning during her first court appearance since she was charged with involuntary manslaughter earlier this month.

During a coroner’s inquest in early February, Branham was found to be the “principal cause of death” in the death of Kenneth Suttner, who committed suicide in December.

Branham is accused of harassing Suttner when he worked at Dairy Queen, where she was his manager, which prosecutors said eventually led to his suicide.

Special Prosecutor April Wilson filed formal charges against Branham shortly after the inquest, which Wilson said has never been done before as a result of a suicide. This case would set a precedent.

Branham’s attorney, Jeff Hilbrenner, said Tuesday that he will review the evidence presented at the coroner’s inquest as well as additional evidence from the defense side.

Both attorneys said Tuesday they will conducting their own investigations.

Branham did not enter a plea. Her preliminary hearing is set for 10 a.m. May 25. Wilson said she plans to call at least five witnesses who testified at the coroner’s inquest.