Inset left to right: Ashley Bredhold, Brent Bredhold (Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office), and Alice Bredhold (Obituary). Background: the home where Alice passed away due to complications from diabetes (Google Maps).
An Indiana mother and father are now in custody, facing homicide charges connected to the death of their diabetic daughter.
Alice Ruby Bredhold, 12, passed away on July 4.
On August 7, Ashley Marie Bredhold, 38, and Brent Michael Bredhold, 38, were both arrested and charged with neglect of a dependent causing death, according to records from the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation revealed that Alice had diabetes, but her parents allegedly failed to help her manage the chronic condition.
The state’s Department of Child Services had reportedly contacted the Bredhold family due to Alice’s consistently high blood sugar levels at school, police claim.
However, it remains unclear how long these concerning blood sugar levels went unaddressed and the duration of the child welfare agency’s involvement with the family.
The Vanderburgh County Coroner reported that Alice died from diabetic ketosis—a serious condition that, according to the Mayo Clinic, presents with several clear symptoms.
Authorities eventually removed two other children from the Bredhold residence, where the home was allegedly filled with garbage and insects, police said.
Alice was a student at Evans Elementary School, where she played the cello in the school orchestra, as noted in a tribute to her. A passionate reader, she was part of a local book club and a youth team focused on exploring rocks, fossils, and minerals.
“Alice was naturally artistic and creative, enjoying crafts and drawing,” her obituary reads. “She loved spending time with her family and friends. Alice will be remembered for her outgoing, energetic, and friendly spirit. She will be deeply missed.”
After nearly a month of investigation, police arrested her parents on warrants Wednesday afternoon.
Under Indiana law, the neglect charge is a first-degree felony, as the parents are over 18 and Alice was under 14 when she died.
As of now, both defendants are being held on a $100,000 bond in the Vanderburgh County Jail. Their initial hearings are set for Thursday afternoon in Vanderburgh Circuit Court, according to Indiana court records.