Jonathan Chad Simmons indicted over mother's death in Tuscaloosa
The 76-year-old woman was found unresponsive in May and later died from sepsis caused by untreated bedsores.
By Maya Morris ·
Tuscaloosa County authorities have charged a son with the death of his elderly mother after deputies discovered her in a state of severe neglect. Jonathan Chad Simmons now faces one count of manslaughter and one count of second-degree elder abuse in the death of Brenda Hallman Simmons.
The incident began on May 16 when police and medical staff responded to the 13000 block of Alabama Highway 216. Officers found the 76-year-old woman alive but unresponsive at the home she shared with her adult son. She remained in medical care for several days before passing away. An autopsy determined the cause of death was sepsis resulting from complications linked to multiple open bedsores.
Medical personnel at the hospital documented the condition of Simmons upon her arrival. Staff reported that she had several open wounds and sores on her body and appeared to have not been bathed. They also noted the presence of feces and insects in her hair. These findings prompted the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit and the state medical examiner's office to launch a joint investigation after family members and health workers suspected neglect.
Investigators executed a search warrant at the shared residence and described the living conditions as excessively dirty and unsanitary. Jonathan Simmons told detectives that he served as the custodian and caretaker for his mother. He admitted to knowing about her medical issues, specifically the open wounds and bedsores. Jack Kennedy, a member of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, stated that Simmons told investigators he had not taken his mother to a doctor in over a year.
The indictment alleges that Jonathan Simmons recklessly caused his mother's death by abusing and neglecting an elderly person. It further claims that this abuse or neglect resulted in serious physical injury. The court documents identify the victim by her full name, Brenda Hallman Simmons. Jonathan Simmons is currently held in the Tuscaloosa County Jail where a bond of $30,000 has been set for his release.
Source: WBTV
