Father Sentenced to Nine Years for Severe Neglect in Daughter’s Diabetes-Related Death

A Vanderburgh County judge has sentenced Brent M. Bredhold to nine years in prison following his conviction for Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, a Level 3 felony, in the death of his 12-year-old daughter, Alice. Judge Ryan D. Hatfield handed down the sentence after hearing testimony and arguments from both sides earlier this month.

A Preventable Loss

On July 4, 2024, Evansville Police Department officers responded to a 911 call at a home on South New York Avenue and found Alice unresponsive. Alice, who had Type 1 diabetes, died from diabetic ketoacidosis—a life-threatening complication that occurs when the body lacks sufficient insulin. According to the forensic pathologist, her liver had grown to four times its normal size, and her heart had doubled in size—both signs of prolonged poor diabetes control.

During Bredhold’s trial, witnesses testified that Alice’s medical challenges were well-documented and that her condition required consistent monitoring, insulin dosing, and supervision. Instead, prosecutors said, she endured years of inadequate care. Alice had been hospitalized or brought to the emergency room six times in the three years leading to her death.

Repeated Warnings Ignored

Medical professionals and school staff described repeated efforts to help the family manage Alice’s diabetes. Bredhold was offered education, support, and ongoing guidance on how to care for his daughter’s condition. Prosecutors emphasized that despite the guidance, Bredhold failed to follow medical advice, seek additional help, or supervise Alice’s care.

At trial, her doctor testified that among the hundreds of pediatric Type 1 diabetes patients he has treated, Alice was the only one to die due to unmanaged diabetes. Prosecutor Diana Moers underscored that point in her remarks, stating the tragedy was not an accident, but the result of years of disregard for medical direction and parental responsibility.

Voices for Alice

During sentencing, the court heard from Alice’s school nurse and teacher, who spoke to both the toll her condition took on her and her resilience. They also described the concern and care school staff tried to provide when her home environment failed to meet her needs. Prosecutor Moers called school staff and medical professionals the “true heroes,” noting that because of them, Alice knew that people were advocating for her well-being.

Accountability and Community Effort

The investigation and trial included significant cooperation from local law enforcement and prosecutors. Evansville detectives J. Helm and P. Luecke and Officer A. Hadley were recognized for their thorough work on the case. Chief Deputy Winston Lin and Deputy Prosecutor A. Beckerle led the courtroom presentation, supported by a team who examined years of records to build the case.

Prosecutor Moers said the outcome serves as both accountability and a solemn reminder.

“Alice’s death was tragic and wholly preventable,” Moers said. “Parents should be the ones caring for and protecting their children above all others.”

Bredhold will serve his sentence in the Indiana Department of Correction.