Son indicted on manslaughter charges in death of mother in Tuscaloosa

Jonathan Chad Simmons faces one count of manslaughter and one count of second-degree elder abuse following the death of his mother, Brenda Hallman Simmons. Tuscaloosa County court documents outline the specific allegations against the son, who was serving as his mother's primary caretaker.

The incident began on May 16 when deputies and medical personnel responded to a call in the 13000 block of Alabama Highway 216. Law enforcement discovered the 76-year-old woman alive but unresponsive. She was transported to a hospital where she received medical care but died several days later.

An autopsy determined the cause of death was sepsis resulting from complications associated with multiple open bedsores. Medical staff reported that the patient presented with multiple open wounds and signs of not having been bathed. They also noted the presence of feces and insects in her hair.

The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit and the state medical examiner's office launched a joint investigation after the family and health personnel suspected neglect. Investigators executed a search warrant at the residence where Brenda Simmons lived with her adult son. The officers described the home as excessively dirty and unsanitary.

During questioning, Jonathan Simmons told investigators he was the custodian and caretaker for his mother. He acknowledged awareness of her medical issues, including the open wounds and bedsores. Jack Kennedy of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit stated that Simmons admitted he had not taken his mother 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. It further claims that this abuse or neglect caused serious physical injury. Simmons is currently held in the Tuscaloosa County Jail with a bond set at $30,000.