Indiana Couple Face Charges in Connection with Daughter's Death from Untreated Diabetes

A mother and father in Indiana were arrested after they allegedly refused to help their daughter treat her diabetes until she died in her bedroom, according to authorities.

On July 4, Alice Ruby Bredhold, 12, was found dead on her bedroom floor at the family’s home in Evansville, according to affidavits obtained by the Evansville Courier & Press.

Investigators determined the girl had diabetes, but her parents were not helping her treat the lifelong disease, officials said.

According to police, the state’s Department of Child Services would often contact the Bredhold family because of Alice’s blood sugar levels testing high while she was at school.

Reports do not indicate how long the blood sugar levels were testing high or how long the Department of Child Services was working with the family.

An autopsy on the girl by the Vanderburgh County Coroner showed she died from diabetic ketosis.

Police said they eventually removed two other children from the Bredhold residence, which was allegedly full of garbage and insects.

After a month-long investigation, Alice’s parents — Ashley Marie Bredhold and Brent Michael Bredhold, both 38 — were arrested on Aug. 7, and charged with neglect of a dependent causing death, officials said.

The mother and father were booked into the Vanderburgh County jail and were each being held on a $100,000 bond.

According to Alice’s obituary, she attended Evans Elementary School. She was an avid reader and a member of a local book club. She played the cello and was a member of a youth team dedicated to the scientific exploration of rocks, fossils and minerals.

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“Alice was naturally artistic and creative, and enjoyed doing crafts and drawing,” her obituary reads. “She loved being with her family and spending time with friends. Alice will be remembered for her outgoing, energetic, and friendly spirit. She will be deeply missed.”