WOMAN FACES MANSLAUGHTER CHARGE IN BOY'S CRASH DEATH

A Rohnert Park woman whose SUV rammed into a stopped vehicle, killing a

5-year-old boy and seriously injuring another passenger in April was formally

charged Thursday with vehicular manslaughter.

Brandi Hanley, 32, did not enter a plea as she stood in court to hear the

charge that could bring her a prison term of between two and six years.

Prosecutor Craig Brooks filed the one-count criminal complaint Thursday and

turned over a packet of investigative documents to defense attorney Ande

Thomas. Hanley didn't speak during the brief hearing.

Hanley is charged with vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence in the

rush-hour April 28 crash at Guerneville and Marlow roads in west Santa Rosa.

She was driving a Ford Explorer on a suspended license when the SUV struck

the rear of a Toyota Matrix at about 40 mph, police said. The impact sent the

smaller vehicle across the intersection, where it slammed into a metal utility

pole.

Five-year-old Addison Branson, who was in the back seat of the Matrix, was

killed. Passenger Jennifer Welch, 55, was seriously injured. The boy's father,

Albert Branson, 52, who was driving, suffered minor injuries.

The boy was severely injured at the scene, bleeding and unconscious, when a

witness took him out of the crumpled car and laid him on a patch of grass on

the corner. He died later at a hospital.

Hanley was driving on a suspended license, the result of a medical

condition, police said.

She told officers she didn't realize the light was red and other cars

weren't moving.

Prosecutors delayed filing charges until they had toxicology results back

from Hanley. Brooks declined to comment on the results of those tests.

Police have investigated Hanley's medical records, prescriptions and

various medications she was using, according to court documents.

Hanley was not charged with vehicular manslaughter with intoxication. Gross

negligence, which elevates vehicular manslaughter to a felony, is defined as

negligence greater than ''ordinary negligence.''

''You take a look at all the factors,'' Brooks said. ''We believed there

was sufficient evidence to show gross negligence.''

A driver's speed, sobriety level, driving behavior, judgment and other

factors are considered.

A gross vehicular manslaughter conviction carries a potential prison term

of between two and six years. The serious injuries caused to another victim

can add another three years to any sentence.

Hanley was ordered back to court Sept. 28 for a plea and potential

settlement discussions.

You can reach Staff Writer Lori A. Carter at 568-5312 or

lori.carter@pressdemocrat.com.