Ohio Mother Faces Multiple Charges in Death of 6-Year-Old Daughter After Prolonged Abuse

A 32-year-old Ohio woman is facing multiple felony charges in connection with the death of her 6-year-old daughter, whom authorities say endured weeks of severe physical abuse.

Ashley Fagan has been arrested and charged with murder, involuntary manslaughter, and obstructing justice in the death of Eva Bretz, according to court records.

In addition, Fagan faces two counts each of permitting child abuse and child endangerment related to a separate incident involving a 1-year-old child who reportedly suffered “serious physical harm” between November and December 2023.

Officers from the Columbus Division of Police responded to a 911 call on April 13, 2025, at a residence in the 4000 block of Migration Lane in Columbus.

Emergency personnel found Eva unresponsive and immediately initiated life-saving measures before transporting her to Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Medical staff reported that Eva sustained life-threatening internal injuries, including a severed liver, as well as external injuries, such as ligature marks around her neck. Despite intensive medical efforts, Eva was pronounced dead approximately six hours after arrival.

An autopsy conducted by the Franklin County Coroner’s Office confirmed that Eva’s death was a homicide. A copy of the coroner’s report obtained by The Columbus Dispatch revealed extensive evidence of prolonged abuse.

In addition to a severed liver and blunt force trauma to her abdomen, Eva suffered multiple fractures to her ribs and pelvis in varying stages of healing, suggesting ongoing mistreatment over a period of weeks or months. The report also noted the presence of fentanyl in her system and confirmed evidence of sexual assault.

Fagan was taken into custody after she and her boyfriend, Blake Hutchinson, reportedly gave conflicting accounts regarding the circumstances leading to Eva’s injuries. Hutchinson was later indicted in the case but died by suicide before he could be taken into custody.

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The indictment alleges that Eva’s injuries resulted from actions including permitting the child to be abused, tortured, subjected to corporal punishment, or physically restrained in a cruel or prolonged manner.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence related to both children involved in the case.