Son charged with manslaughter after mother found with feces and insects in hair

Jonathan Chad Simmons faces a manslaughter charge and a second-degree elder abuse count in the death of his 76-year-old mother, Brenda Hallman Simmons, according to court documents in Tuscaloosa County, Ala. The indictment alleges that Simmons recklessly caused her death through abuse and neglect, resulting in serious physical injury.

Tuscaloosa County deputies responded to a home in the 13000 block of Alabama Highway 216 on May 16 after receiving a call about an unresponsive woman. Law enforcement found Brenda Simmons alive but unable to respond. She remained in medical care for several days before dying. An autopsy attributed the death to sepsis caused by complications from multiple open bedsores.

Hospital staff reported that Simmons arrived with several open wounds and sores on her body. Medical personnel also noted signs that she had not been bathed and found feces and insects in her hair. Following these observations, the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit and the state medical examiner’s office launched a joint investigation into suspected neglect.

Investigators executed a search warrant at the residence where Simmons lived with her adult son. Officers described the home as excessively dirty and unsanitary. Simmons told detectives that he served as the custodian and caretaker for his mother. He admitted to knowing about her medical issues, including the open wounds and bedsores.

Jack Kennedy 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 specifically charges that the neglect caused her serious physical injury before she succumbed to sepsis. Simmons is currently being held in the Tuscaloosa County Jail. A bond of $30,000 has been set for his release.

The case moved from a medical response to a criminal investigation after the family and health personnel raised concerns about the care provided in the home. The charges stem from the period when Simmons was the primary caregiver for his elderly mother. The court records identify the victim by her full name, Brenda Hallman Simmons, and outline the timeline from the initial 911 call in May to the subsequent indictment.