EVANSVILLE, IN – An Evansville father is on trial, accused of neglect resulting in the death of his 12-year-old daughter, Alice Bredhold, who authorities say died from complications of untreated diabetes—a condition that experts call highly manageable with proper care.
Brent Bredhold, 39, faces a charge of neglect of a dependent causing death after his daughter was found on July 4 at the family’s South New York Avenue home. Police said Alice was discovered lying on her bedroom floor, and subsequent investigations revealed she had been living with diabetes that prosecutors argue was not adequately managed by her parents.
Alice’s case first drew the attention of authorities when the Indiana Department of Child Services noticed a pattern of dangerously high blood sugar readings reported by her school nurse. Over the course of the school year, the nurse had recorded at least 44 readings over 300 and 14 readings soaring above 600, according to evidence presented by the prosecution at the start of the trial this week. For comparison, medical guidelines typically advise that blood sugar should remain below 180 within two hours of eating for individuals managing diabetes.
Investigators allege the parents failed to fulfill the responsibilities required for their daughter’s medical condition, even after the school and state agencies flagged concerns. During opening statements, prosecutors emphasized that children often cannot be expected to maintain strict diabetes management on their own, stressing the critical role parents must play—especially with life-threatening diseases such as Type 1 diabetes.
According to the state, Alice’s struggle with high blood sugar was not an isolated occurrence but a recurring problem that ultimately led to fatal diabetic ketoacidosis, a complication that experts say is preventable with diligent care.
Brent Bredhold’s defense attorney, Dawnya Taylor, countered the prosecution’s assertions, disputing the portrayal of her client’s involvement in his daughter’s daily life. Taylor told jurors that Brent Bredhold worked on the railroad and often traveled for multiple days at a time, which impacted his ability to oversee Alice’s day-to-day medical needs. She also clarified that he was not the sole guardian at home.
Authorities have also charged Alice’s mother, Ashley Marie Bredhold, 39, in connection with the case. Her separate trial is scheduled for February 2025. Neither parent was immediately available for comment.
Throughout the trial’s opening days, jurors have heard from law enforcement officers who detailed their investigation and described the scene at the family home. Detectives said they found an array of diabetic care supplies—such as testing strips, insulin pens, and medicine bottles—scattered in Alice’s room. One investigator noted that Brent Bredhold was not present when officers first arrived, encountering instead Alice’s siblings, her mother, and maternal grandparents.
Beyond the courtroom, Alice is remembered as a bright and artistic young student at Evans Elementary School. She played cello in the school orchestra, belonged to a local book club, and took part in a youth group focused on science and geology. Friends and family have described her as creative, outgoing, and deeply devoted to those close to her.
The trial is expected to continue with further witness testimony as the community and Alice’s loved ones await answers regarding the circumstances that led to her untimely death.