Son indicted in mother’s death; medical staff say she had feces, insects in hair
TUSCALOOSA COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC/Gray News) - A man has been indicted on charges related to the death of his mother in Alabama.
Jonathan Chad Simmons faces one count of manslaughter and one count of second-degree elder abuse in the death of his mother, according to Tuscaloosa County court documents obtained by WBRC.
The court documents referred to the victim as Jonathan Chad Simmons’ mother, Brenda Hallman Simmons.
Deputies found woman unresponsive
Tuscaloosa County deputies and medical personnel were called to the 13000 block of Alabama Highway 216 on May 16. Law enforcement found Brenda Hallman Simmons, 76, alive but unresponsive.
Brenda Simmons died several days later while receiving medical care. The autopsy revealed she died from sepsis due to complications from multiple open bedsores.
Joint investigation begins
The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit and the state medical examiner’s office began a joint investigation after the family and health personnel suspected neglect.
According to medical staff at the hospital, Simmons had multiple open wounds and sores on her body and showed signs of not being bathed. She had feces and insects in her hair.
When investigators executed a search warrant at the residence Simmons shared with her adult son, Jonathan Simmons, they found it “excessively dirty and unsanitary.”
Son’s statements to investigators
Jonathan Simmons told investigators he was the custodian and caretaker of his mother. He admitted to being aware of her medical issues, including open wounds and bedsores.
“He stated that he had not taken her to a doctor in over a year,” Jack Kennedy, with the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, said.
Charges outlined in indictment
The indictment accuses Jonathan Simmons of recklessly causing his mother’s death by abusing and neglecting an elderly person. It also alleges the abuse or neglect caused his mother serious physical injury.
Jonathan Simmons is being held in the Tuscaloosa County Jail with a $30,000 bond.
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