Woman charged for death of 12-year-old released on no bail

HAZELWOOD, Mo. - A woman charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of a 12-year-old is free without any financial bond. 

Friday marked one year since a Jeep 12-year-old Travis Wolfe was riding in was hit head-on in Hazelwood. Wolfe died from his injuries in March. 

But his heart is still beating, recorded inside this stuffed giraffe his sister Taylor Wolfe still carries with her. 

"It just kind of calms me down a little bit. He's all dressed up from my wedding. I just got married Nov. 2. This is how he attended instead of in person," Taylor said. 

The day before the anniversary of that crash, the suspect driver is out of jail. 

"I was pretty mad. I don't think she deserves it," Taylor Wolfe said. 

For nine months, Endrina Bracho had been behind bars accused of involuntary manslaughter, waiting for trial. Police say Bracho drove on the wrong side of Dunn Road, traveling 75 miles per hour in a 40-mile-per-hour zone. 

Bracho is also charged with assault, endangering the welfare of a child, and operating a vehicle without a valid license. Bracho's children were also hospitalized as a result of the crash.

Judge Bruce Hilton released her without her having to post a financial bond Thursday. Bracho was released on her own recognizance.

She will have to wear a monitoring device and is not allowed to drive. Additionally, she cannot contact the Wolfe family.

When charges were initially filed, Hazelwood police said they believed Bracho was a serious flight risk due to her being in the country illegally. Sen. Josh Hawley has spoken about Travis' death on multiple occasions while discussing illegal immigration. 

Friday, he wrote on X, "I am told the criminal illegal alien who murdered 12-year-old Travis Wolfe of St. Charles has been released pending a future trial. This is a gross miscarriage of justice. She killed Travis one year ago today. She is present in the U.S. illegally and a flight risk. She should be in prison every single day until tried."

"I don't really know anything about politics, but I do think it should be shared what's happening," Taylor said. 

Bracho's defense attorney, Cesar Millan, filed a motion to dismiss the case, saying it was a terrible accident with no culpability. 

He sent FOX 2 a statement saying, "She will comply with everything ordered by the judge. I want to extend my sincerest condolences to the Wolfe family for the passing of their son." 

The motion to dismiss was denied on Thursday.

Taylor and Millan both said part of the judge's decision for release was to allow Bracho to spend the holidays with family, a luxury Taylor says she does not get. 

"What about my family? We don't get to go see Travis. He doesn't get to come home and see us. She took that from us," Wolfe said. 

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Jan. 23.