Woman who killed mother and son in Castle Rock drunk-driving crash sentenced

A Douglas County judge sentenced a woman who killed a mother and son during a drunk-driving crash to more than 20 years in prison.

18th Judicial District Judge Ryan Stuart sentenced 49-year-old Michelle Branch to 21 years and sixth months in the Department of Corrections Friday on two counts of vehicular homicide — DUI and failure to exercise caution following the fatal crash that killed 49-year-old Amber Villarreal and her 18-year-old son, Elijah, in 2022, according to a news release from the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office.

Police responded to Interstate 25 near Castle Rock around 10:30 p.m., Oct. 12, 2022 on reports that a car had broken down. 

The Colorado State Patrol met with Villarreal and her son outside of the car. The two were changing a tire. The officer told the two to get back into the car to ensure their safety. 

As the officer returned to his vehicle, Branch's vehicle swerved into the shoulder of the road, striking the two victims and killing them instantly. 

Branch initially told state troopers on scene that she “did not realize she was in a crash," but later admitted to drinking and driving. Tests later showed a blood alcohol content level of .13, nearly double the legal limit of .08.

Elijah was described by his half-sister as an “extremely gentle soul” who found happiness just from being alive.

“Kids are trying to bury kids,” Jazzmin Kennedy, the mother of Elijah's half-sister, told the Denver Gazette. “It affects everybody in the community, because it’s a senseless act.”

A GoFundMe organized by one of Villarreal's daughters raised more than $11,000 for the family. 

Branch was also ordered to pay the family $20,000 in restitution as part of the sentencing. 

“This case is yet another reminder of the devastating impact drunk driving has on our community,” District Attorney John Kellner said in the release. “I will continue to support my prosecutors in seeking lengthy prison sentences for offenders who make the selfish decision to put innocent lives at risk.”