Parents deliberately watch as teen daughter dies from untreated diabetes

A couple in Indiana has been arrested and charged with homicide following the tragic death of their 12-year-old daughter, Alice Ruby Bredhold, who suffered from untreated diabetes.

The parents, Ashley Marie Bredhold and Brent Michael Bredhold, both 38 years old, were taken into custody on August 7 and booked on charges of neglect of a dependent resulting in death, per Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office.

Alice was found dead on July 4, lying on the floor of her bedroom at the family’s home on South New York Avenue in Evansville.

Authorities believe her parents failed to provide the necessary care for her diabetes, leading to her untimely death.

According to affidavits, the state’s Department of Child Services had previously contacted the Bredhold family due to concerns over Alice’s consistently high blood sugar levels at school. Despite these warnings, it appears the parents did not take the necessary steps to manage their daughter’s condition.

The Vanderburgh County Coroner determined that Alice died from diabetic ketoacidosis, a severe and potentially fatal complication of diabetes that can be prevented with proper medical care. The Mayo Clinic notes that this condition presents several obvious symptoms, which, if addressed, could have saved Alice’s life.

The investigation also revealed that the family home was in deplorable condition, filled with garbage and insects, leading authorities to remove two other children from the residence.

After a month-long investigation, the parents were arrested on Wednesday afternoon. Under Indiana law, the neglect charge is a first-degree felony, reflecting the severity of the case, as Alice was under 14 years old at the time of her death.

As of now, both Ashley and Brent Bredhold are being held on a $100,000 bond each at the Vanderburgh County Jail. Their initial court hearings are scheduled for Thursday afternoon in Vanderburgh Circuit Court.

Alice was a bright and creative student at Evans Elementary School, where she played the cello in the school orchestra. She was an avid reader, a member of a local book club, and participated in a youth team focused on the scientific study of rocks, fossils and minerals.

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Her obituary describes her as naturally artistic, with a love for crafts and drawing. Alice is remembered for her outgoing, energetic and friendly spirit, and she will be deeply missed by those who knew her.