Evansville, IN – An Indiana father has been sentenced to nine years in prison after his 12-year-old daughter died from complications of untreated Type 1 diabetes, a condition prosecutors say could have been managed with proper parental care. The case, described as one of “extreme neglect,” highlights the devastating consequences of failing to provide essential medical support for a child.
The Incident: A Preventable Death from Neglect
According to court documents, Alice Bredhold, 12, was found dead on her bedroom floor on July 4, 2024, at her family’s home on South New York Avenue in Evansville. The Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office said Alice’s death was a direct result of untreated diabetes—a chronic condition that requires daily management and supervision.
During the investigation, authorities discovered that Alice had been struggling with dangerously high blood sugar levels for years. The Indiana Department of Child Services had previously contacted her parents about the lack of diabetes management after multiple alarming readings were recorded by the school nurse.
Prosecutors told the jury that the 12-year-old’s blood sugar levels had spiked above 300 more than 40 times, and even above 600 on at least 14 occasions, in the weeks leading up to her death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a normal post-meal reading should be below 180—a stark contrast to Alice’s consistent results.
“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,” said Chief Deputy Prosecutor Winston Lin. “Her parents should have been her strongest advocates, but all they had to offer was apathy, indifference, and neglect.”
Investigation and Evidence: Years of Warnings Ignored
During the trial, investigators and medical experts described how Alice’s condition had been poorly managed for years, despite numerous hospitalizations and opportunities for intervention.
Police reports detailed that medical supplies, including insulin pens, test strips, and a glucose meter, were found in the home—indicating access to treatment that went largely unused.
A detective testified that Brent Bredhold, Alice’s father, was absent on the day of her death, and that authorities spoke primarily with Alice’s siblings, mother, and maternal grandparents.
The prosecution argued that while Bredhold frequently worked out of town on the railroad, parental responsibility cannot be delegated or ignored.
“Parental responsibility is not a 9-to-5 job,” Lin said in court. “Alice was not properly supervised for years, and the long-term neglect placed her in a situation that cut her life short.”
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Earlier this month, a Vanderburgh County jury found Brent M. Bredhold, 39, guilty of neglect of a dependent causing serious bodily injury, a lesser charge than the original neglect causing death count. He faced a maximum sentence of 16 years.
On Thursday, Judge Ryan D. Hatfield sentenced Bredhold to nine years in state prison. The court ruled that the neglect was “prolonged, repeated, and preventable,” directly contributing to Alice’s fatal condition.
During the trial, defense attorney Dawnya Taylor argued that Bredhold was not a single parent and was often away from home due to his railroad job, implying that Alice’s mother, Ashley Marie Bredhold, bore equal responsibility. Taylor’s defense failed to convince jurors to acquit her client.
Prosecutors confirmed that Ashley Bredhold, 39, is also facing charges of neglect causing death, with her trial scheduled for February 2026.
Statements and Reactions
After the verdict, Prosecutor Lin released a powerful statement underscoring the lasting impact of Alice’s case.
“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,” Lin said. “The true heroes in this case are the medical professionals and school staff who cared for Alice and gave her moments of comfort. Because of them, she knew that some people would fight for her well-being.”
Teachers and healthcare workers who had interacted with Alice described her as bright, artistic, and resilient, despite her struggles. Her case has prompted renewed discussion in Evansville about medical neglect laws and the need for stronger parental education for children with chronic illnesses.
Background: A Pattern of Neglect
Records show Alice had been hospitalized multiple times since age 10 due to high blood sugar and diabetes complications. The family had even consulted a pediatric psychologist to support consistent medical care, but prosecutors said Brent “failed to follow through” with professional recommendations.
Authorities believe that Alice’s death was not an isolated event but the tragic culmination of years of neglect and missed opportunities for intervention.
Remembering Alice
Alice attended Evans Elementary School, where she was a member of the school orchestra, playing the cello. She also participated in a local book club and a youth science group focused on geology and fossils.
Her obituary described her as “artistic, creative, and full of energy,” adding that she loved spending time with her family and friends.
“Alice will be remembered for her outgoing, friendly spirit,” the tribute read. “She will be deeply missed.”
Conclusion
The sentencing of Brent Bredhold serves as a painful reminder of the consequences of medical neglect. As Alice’s mother awaits trial, prosecutors hope the case will raise awareness about the importance of parental involvement in managing chronic illnesses and ensure that no other child suffers a preventable death.
What are your thoughts on this tragic case? Share your opinions in the comments below.
