Evansville, IN – A 39-year-old father has been convicted for his role in the death of his 12-year-old daughter, who suffered from Type 1 diabetes, Vanderburgh County authorities said.
Conviction Details
Brent Bredhold, 39, was found guilty this week by a Vanderburgh County jury of neglect of a dependent causing death. The conviction carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.
Prosecutors said Bredhold failed to properly care for his daughter, Alice Bredhold, 12, who died due to preventable complications from poorly managed diabetes.
“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 Vanderburgh County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Winston Lin. “Her parents should have been her strongest advocates to keep her healthy and alive, but unfortunately all they had to offer was apathy, indifference, and neglect.”
Circumstances of the Death
Alice was found dead on July 4, 2024, on the floor of her bedroom at the family home on South New York Avenue in Evansville. An investigation revealed that Alice’s blood sugar levels frequently spiked dangerously high at school, prompting the Indiana Department of Child Services to contact her parents about her condition.
School records showed 44 readings above 300 and 14 readings over 600 in the weeks leading up to her death, far exceeding normal post-meal targets of 180 for children with diabetes, according to the CDC.
Prosecutors argued that the responsibility for daily management of her chronic condition rested with her parents.
“Kids don’t understand the value of daily routines,” said Prosecutor Winston Lin. “With Type 1 diabetes, it is critical.”
Alice had been hospitalized multiple times since age 10 and even received care from a pediatric psychologist, whose guidance Bredhold allegedly ignored.
Defense Claims
Bredhold’s attorney, Dawnya Taylor, argued that her client was not always at home due to his railroad job, which sometimes required multi-day travel. She also emphasized that he was not a single parent, pointing out that Alice’s mother, Ashley Marie Bredhold, 39, shared responsibility. The mother’s trial is scheduled to begin in February 2026.
Life and Legacy of Alice Bredhold
Alice was a student at Evans Elementary School, where she played cello in the school orchestra, and was a member of a local book club. She also enjoyed science, crafts, and spending time with friends and family.
“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.”
Sentencing
Brent Bredhold is scheduled to be sentenced on October 23, facing potentially decades in prison for his role in the preventable death of his daughter.
How can communities better protect children with chronic illnesses from neglect? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
