UPDATE: A mother has been sentenced to 18 to 23.5 years in prison for her role in the brutal death of her 6-year-old daughter, Eva Bretz. Ashley Fagan, 33, from Ohio, stood by for weeks as her boyfriend, Blake Hutchinson, physically abused and ultimately killed her daughter. This shocking case has highlighted the urgent need for child protection.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, authorities confirmed that police responded to a 911 call at the family home on April 13, 2025. Upon arrival, they found young Eva in critical condition. Despite immediate efforts from first responders, she was later pronounced dead at Nationwide Children’s Hospital just six hours after admission. Autopsy results revealed Eva suffered catastrophic injuries, including a severed liver and ligature marks around her neck.
Fagan pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including involuntary manslaughter and two counts of child endangerment. During court proceedings, it was revealed that she initially attempted to mislead investigators, claiming Eva’s injuries were caused by an accident involving a tree branch. However, surveillance footage disproved her story, showing Eva had not been outside that night.
Detectives discovered troubling text messages between Fagan and Hutchinson dating as far back as October 2024, indicating they were colluding to fabricate their accounts regarding the abuse. The evidence pointed to a pattern of sustained physical and emotional abuse, with the coroner’s report indicating that Eva had likely suffered for weeks or even months before her tragic death.
Kevin Coles, Eva’s grandfather, expressed his anguish in court, stating, “The one person on this planet that should have had her best interest at heart did not take any steps to protect her.” This sentiment resonated deeply, as the judge, Richard Brown, visibly struggled to contain his emotions when delivering the sentence. He remarked, “I cannot imagine taking a life or watching while someone else takes the life of a child, particularly your own child.”
The case took a darker turn when it was revealed that Eva had been a victim of sexual assault before her death, with fentanyl found in her system. The evidence of ongoing abuse was overwhelming, including multiple fractures at different healing stages, indicating that the child had been subjected to prolonged torment.
Authorities confirmed that Hutchinson, the boyfriend accused of the physical abuse, took his own life shortly before he was to be arrested. This tragic incident has raised critical questions about child safety and the responsibilities of caregivers, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention in cases of suspected abuse.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this horrific event, many are left wondering how such a tragedy could occur and what measures can be taken to protect vulnerable children in the future. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in safeguarding children from harm.
