Alabama Man Indicted: Son Faces Manslaughter Charges in Mother's Death

Tuscaloosa County authorities have charged a local man with killing his elderly mother through neglect. The indictment targets Jonathan Chad Simmons on one count of manslaughter and one count of second-degree elder abuse.

Court documents identify the victim as Brenda Hallman Simmons, 76. On May 16, deputies and medical personnel responded to a home in the 13000 block of Alabama Highway 216. Officers discovered the woman alive but unresponsive. She died several days later while under hospital care. An autopsy determined sepsis caused by complications from multiple open bedsores was the cause of death.

Medical staff reported that the patient arrived with multiple open wounds and sores. Hospital records noted signs that she had not been bathed. Staff also observed feces and insects in her hair. These findings prompted the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit and the state medical examiner’s office to launch a joint investigation after family members and health personnel suspected neglect.

Investigators executed a search warrant at the residence where Brenda Simmons lived with her adult son. Officers described the home as excessively dirty and unsanitary. Jonathan Simmons told investigators 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, a member of the Violent Crimes Unit, said Simmons stated he had not taken her to a doctor in over a year.

The indictment alleges that Simmons recklessly caused his mother’s death by abusing and neglecting an elderly person. The charges claim the abuse resulted in serious physical injury. Simmons is currently held in the Tuscaloosa County Jail. His bond is set at $30,000.