76-year-old dies of sepsis after son fails to seek care for over a year

Tuscaloosa County, Alabama court documents show Jonathan Chad Simmons has been indicted on one count of manslaughter and one count of second-degree elder abuse in the death of his mother, Brenda Hallman Simmons.

Deputies and medical personnel responded to the 13000 block of Alabama Highway 216 on May 16, 2026. They found the 76-year-old woman alive but unresponsive. She died several days later while receiving medical care. The autopsy attributed her death to sepsis resulting from complications caused by multiple open bedsores.

The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit and the state medical examiner’s office opened a joint investigation after family members and health personnel suspected neglect. Medical staff at the hospital reported that Simmons had multiple open wounds and sores on her body. They noted she showed signs of not being bathed and had feces and insects in her hair.

Investigators executed a search warrant at the residence that Brenda Simmons shared with her adult son, Jonathan Simmons. The search revealed the home was excessively dirty and unsanitary. Jonathan Simmons told investigators he served as the custodian and caretaker for his mother. He admitted he was aware of her medical issues, including the open wounds and bedsores.

Jack Kennedy, a member 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 accuses Jonathan Simmons of recklessly causing his mother’s death by abusing and neglecting an elderly person. It also alleges the abuse or neglect caused serious physical injury.

Jonathan Simmons is currently held in the Tuscaloosa County Jail. His bond is set at $30,000.