UPDATE: A mother has been sentenced to up to 23.5 years in prison for her role in the brutal death of her 6-year-old daughter, Eva Bretz, in Ohio. Ashley Fagan, 33, stood by as her boyfriend, Blake Hutchinson, inflicted fatal abuse, resulting in the child’s death on April 13, 2025.
Authorities confirmed that Fagan pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment. Her sentence, ranging from 18 to 23.5 years, reflects the gravity of her failure to protect her daughter during weeks of severe abuse.
On the day of the incident, police responded to a 911 call and found Eva critically injured. She was rushed to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where doctors discovered catastrophic injuries, including a severed liver and ligature marks around her neck. Tragically, Eva succumbed to her injuries just six hours later, and her death was ruled a homicide following an autopsy.
Fagan initially misled authorities, claiming Eva’s injuries resulted from a tree branch accident. However, surveillance footage revealed that the child had not been playing outside that night. Detectives later uncovered text messages between Fagan and Hutchinson, indicating they were coordinating their stories regarding Eva’s injuries.
The case has drawn national attention, highlighting a heartbreaking failure of parental responsibility. “The one person on this planet that should have had her best interest at heart did not take any steps to protect her,” said Eva’s grandfather, Kevin Coles, during the sentencing hearing. The emotional toll of the case was palpable, even affecting the presiding judge, Richard Brown, who expressed his disbelief at the circumstances surrounding Eva’s death.
According to the coroner’s report, Eva had been a victim of prolonged physical abuse, showing signs of severe trauma, including multiple fractures and blunt force injuries. Authorities also revealed that she had fentanyl in her system, suggesting a tragic history of substance exposure.
Hutchinson, who was believed to have carried out the abuse, died by suicide just before law enforcement could arrest him. His death adds another layer of tragedy to an already devastating case, illustrating the catastrophic consequences of domestic violence.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, the case serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for protective measures for vulnerable children. Fagan’s sentence marks a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for Eva, but the emotional scars will remain for those who knew and loved her.
The investigation continues as authorities work to ensure that such abuses do not go unnoticed in the future. Community support and awareness are crucial in preventing similar tragedies from occurring again.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
