TUSCALOOSA, AL — A Tuscaloosa County man accused in the death of his mother allegedly admitted to investigators that he had not taken her to a doctor in more than a year, despite knowing she suffered from numerous medical problems.
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As Patch previously reported, 49-year-old Jonathan Chad Simmons was arrested Sunday, Oct. 25, after a Tuscaloosa County grand jury indicted him on charges of reckless manslaughter and elder abuse in connection with the death of his 76-year-old mother, Brenda Simmons.
Under Alabama law, manslaughter is a Class B felony, punishable by two to 20 years in prison upon conviction.
Second-degree elder abuse is also a Class B felony.
Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit Capt. Jack Kennedy said on Tuesday that the investigation began after Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office deputies and emergency medical personnel responded May 16 to a residence in the 13000 block of Alabama Highway 216.
Kennedy said Brenda Simmons was found breathing but unresponsive and was transported by ambulance to a hospital, where she died several days later.
Kennedy then said family members and medical personnel suspected neglect or abuse, prompting the Violent Crimes Unit to launch a joint investigation with the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences Medical Examiner's Office.
He went on to say that medical personnel reported finding multiple open wounds and sores on Brenda Simmons' body when she arrived at the hospital. She also reportedly showed signs of not having been bathed, while feces and insects were found in her hair.
Investigators subsequently executed a search warrant at the residence, which Kennedy described as excessively dirty and unsanitary.
Authorities determined Brenda Simmons had been living with her adult son, who acknowledged being responsible for her care.
Kennedy said Jonathan Chad Simmons admitted he was aware of his mother's numerous medical issues, including multiple open wounds and bedsores, but had not taken her to see a doctor in more than a year.
An autopsy later determined Brenda Simmons died of sepsis resulting from complications associated with multiple open bedsores.
Following the investigation, the case was presented to the Tuscaloosa County District Attorney's Office for consideration by a grand jury.
The grand jury subsequently returned indictments against Jonathan Chad Simmons for reckless manslaughter and elder abuse.
He was booked into the Tuscaloosa County Jail, where he is currently being held without bond, Kennedy said.
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