GREENVILLE, TX – A 71-year-old Greenville woman has been convicted in connection with a drunk driving crash that left multiple members of a family seriously injured, a case that has sparked strong reactions in the community.
On Monday, January 5, 2026, Denise Lynn Brancheau was found guilty of Intoxication Assault with a Vehicle Causing Serious Bodily Injury. Judge Keli Aiken presided over the case in the 354th District Court of Hunt County.
Brancheau was sentenced to 10 years with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, but the sentence was fully suspended and probated for 10 years. As part of her probation, she must complete 200 hours of community service, serve 60 days of jail time upfront, and comply with DWI-related conditions, including the use of an ignition interlock device for five years and a 90-day driver’s license suspension. She was taken into custody after the sentence was announced.
The conviction stems from a crash that occurred on September 10, 2024, at approximately 4:19 p.m. at the intersection of Traders Road and Roy Warren Parkway in Greenville. Investigators determined Brancheau ran a stop sign at an estimated speed of 70 miles per hour before crashing into a vehicle carrying a family, including children.
The impact was severe, with witnesses reporting that some occupants were thrown from the vehicle. Several family members suffered critical injuries and were transported to the hospital, where they have since endured lengthy recoveries.
Brancheau was later arrested on July 9, 2025, following an investigation that concluded she was intoxicated and at fault at the time of the crash.
In the days following the sentencing, some Greenville residents have taken to social media to voice frustration, saying they believe the punishment does not match the seriousness of the harm caused. Others have pointed to Brancheau’s age and the probationary terms as factors the court likely considered.
