Tuscaloosa County Man Accused Of Manslaughter, Elder Abuse In Woman's Death

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A Tuscaloosa County man has been indicted on manslaughter and elder abuse charges after prosecutors alleged that his reckless abuse and neglect of an elderly woman resulted in her death.

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According to court documents obtained by Tuscaloosa Patch, Jonathan Chad Simmons, 49, of Cottondale, was indicted by a Tuscaloosa County grand jury on Sept. 30 in connection with the death of Brenda Hallman.

A source with the family told Patch that Hallman was the suspect's mother.

The two-count indictment charges Simmons with manslaughter and second-degree elder abuse.

The indictment says Simmons recklessly caused Hallman's death by abusing and neglecting her, although the court documents do not specify when she died or provide details about the circumstances surrounding her death.

Court records available at this time also do not specify the relationship between Simmons and Hallman or describe the injuries she suffered.

Court records show a warrant for Simmons' arrest was issued Oct. 6, with bond set at $30,000. He was still behind bars at the Tuscaloosa County Jail as of the publication of this story.

The warrant was executed Oct. 25, indicating Simmons was taken into custody Sunday.

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.

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