Special prosecutor files additional charges in Kenneth Suttner suicide case
Special prosecutor April Wilson filed several additional charges Monday against former Dairy Queen manager Harley Branham, who is accused of bullying 17-year-old Kenneth Suttner and causing him to take his own life.
She was charged with involuntary manslaughter in January after a jury at a coroner’s inquest found her responsible for Suttner’s death. The charge was unprecedented in a suicide death.
Branham is now facing additional charges which include two counts each of aggravated stalking, harassment and assault. The involuntary manslaughter charge has been amended down from first to second degree.
The new complaint filed by Wilson contains few details on the new charges but each count has the date that they allegedly happened.
According to the complaint, on or between Oct. 6 and Dec. 21, 2016, Branham “harassed Suttner causing emotional distress contributing to the death of Suttner.” This was in relation to the aggravated stalking charge.
In relation to the assault, the complaint states that on or between Nov. 21 and Dec. 21, 2016, Branham “recklessly engaged in conduct that created risk of serious physical injury to Suttner” and “knowingly caused physical contact with Suttner and knew [he] would find it offensive.”
Finally, Wilson said the harassment on or between Nov. 21 and Dec. 21, 2016. She said Branham used offensive language toward Suttner and “disturbed [him] by making repeated phone calls.”
Branham is set to be in court for a preliminary hearing on Nov. 29. ABC17 News has contacted Wilson as well as Branham’s attorney, Jeff Hilbrenner for comment on the new and amended charges.
