An Indiana courtroom witnessed the sentencing of an Evansville father on Thursday, a tragic culmination of events following the untimely death of his 12-year-old daughter.
Vanderburgh County Circuit Court’s Judge Ryan D. Hatfield handed down a nine-year state prison sentence to 39-year-old Brent Bredhold, as reported by Law&Crime. This decision comes after a jury found him guilty of neglect of a dependent resulting in death earlier this month.
Alice Bredhold, his daughter, passed away on July 4, 2024, a heartbreaking incident that led to her father’s conviction. According to reports from CrimeOnline, the jury’s verdict was reached after careful consideration of the evidence presented.
When officers from the Evansville Police Department responded to the family residence, they discovered Alice lifeless on her bedroom floor. An autopsy later confirmed that her death was due to diabetic ketoacidosis, a condition that arises from untreated diabetes.
During the trial, prosecutors argued that Brent Bredhold had multiple chances to provide necessary care for Alice, but failed to heed medical guidance, ultimately contributing to her tragic death.
The prosecution said Bredhold “was given every opportunity” to help Alice, but despite medical advice, failed to properly care for her.
The Department of Children’s Service became involved after determining Alice had consistent instances of extremely high blood sugar when the school tested her.
Two other children were removed from the home, which was filled with trash and insects, the affidavits stated.
“This is a heartbreaking case where a 12-year-old girl with Type 1 diabetes was left to fend for herself until her untimely death,” Vanderburgh County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Winston Lin said in a statement after the conviction, according to News Channel 8.
“Her parents should have been her strongest advocates to keep her healthy and alive, but unfortunately all they had to offer was apathy, indifference, and neglect.
“Of the hundreds of Type 1 diabetic kids under the age of 18 seen by her pediatric endocrinologist, she was the only one to have died directly due to her diabetes.
“The true heroes in this case are the medical professionals and school staff who showed warmth and care to Alice and provided moments of respite in her daily life. Because of them, Alice at least knew that some people would fight for her well-being.”
Alice’s mother, Ashley Bredhold, is facing two counts of the same charges. Her trial is scheduled for February 17.
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[Feature Photo: Alice Bredhold/Obituary]
