COLUMBUS, Ohio — A tragic child homicide case has led to murder and child endangerment charges against a Columbus mother, Ashley Fagan, 32, and her boyfriend Blake Hutchinson, 24, in connection with the death of 6-year-old Eva Bretz.
According to Franklin County Municipal Court records, emergency crews responded just before 3:30 a.m. on April 13 to the 4000 block of Migration Lane.
Eva Bretz was found with life-threatening internal and external injuries, including:
A severed liver
Bruising and ligature marks around her neck
Other trauma consistent with abuse
She was transported to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where she died hours later. The Franklin County Coroner’s Office ruled the death a homicide.
Charges and Investigation:
Court documents say Eva was in the care of Fagan and Hutchinson at the time of her injuries. Investigators noted both adults gave false statements and failed to explain how the child sustained such devastating injuries.
Ashley Fagan was arrested and booked into Franklin County Jail.
A warrant was issued for Blake Hutchinson, who was Fagan’s boyfriend.
On Tuesday evening, Columbus police confirmed that Hutchinson died by suicide when SWAT personnel approached him in Knox County.
History with Children Services:
Franklin County Children Services (FCCS) reported prior involvement with the family, including:
A positive drug test at Eva’s birth in March 2019
A 2020 report of neglect, emotional maltreatment, and possible physical abuse
An ongoing case involving one of Eva’s siblings at the time of her death
FCCS stated that although the family received services, efforts to address abuse, neglect, and isolation were ultimately unsuccessful.
“Unfortunately, the services offered to the family were not successful in reducing the kind of isolation that can hide abuse and neglect,” FCCS said.
Eva leaves behind three siblings. FCCS is continuing its involvement with the family to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the surviving children.
