Ala. Son Indicted on $30,000 Bond in Mother’s Death

Tuscaloosa County authorities have indicted a son on manslaughter and elder abuse charges following the death of his 76-year-old mother.

Jonathan Chad Simmons faces one count of manslaughter and one count of second-degree elder abuse in the death of Brenda Hallman Simmons. Court documents confirm the victim was his mother. Deputies and medical personnel responded to a home in the 13000 block of Alabama Highway 216 on May 16. They found Brenda Simmons alive but unresponsive. She died several days later while receiving medical care. An autopsy determined she died from sepsis caused by complications from multiple open bedsores.

The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit and the state medical examiner’s office launched a joint investigation after family members and health staff suspected neglect. Medical staff at the hospital reported that Simmons had multiple open wounds and sores. They noted she showed signs of not being bathed. Her hair contained feces and insects. Investigators executed a search warrant at the residence shared by Brenda Simmons and her adult son. They described the home as excessively dirty and unsanitary.

Jonathan Simmons told investigators he served as his mother’s custodian and caretaker. He admitted he was aware of her medical issues, including the open wounds and bedsores. Jack Kennedy of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit stated that Simmons had not taken his mother to a doctor in over a year.

The indictment accuses Jonathan Simmons of recklessly causing his mother’s death by abusing and neglecting an elderly person. It alleges the abuse or neglect caused her serious physical injury. Simmons is currently held in the Tuscaloosa County Jail. His bond is set at $30,000.