Autopsy shows 6-year-old Columbus girl had trace amount of fentanyl, strangulation injuries
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A 6-year-old girl in east Columbus died of 'homicidal violence,' including injuries from blunt force trauma, strangulation, and sexual assault, according to the Franklin County Coroner's Office.
Eva Bretz was admitted to a hospital in April after being unresponsive at home, according to the coroner's office. She required care in the intensive care unit and died about six hours after she was admitted.
The girl's evaluation was 'consistent with hemorrhagic shock' and other blunt force trauma injuries, like rib and pelvis fractures and a trace amount of fentanyl, according to the coroner's office.
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'These injuries demonstrate a pattern of violence occurring for at least weeks, and probably months prior to the child's death,' the autopsy report reads.
The girl's mother, Ashley Fagan, 32, and her boyfriend, Blake Hutchinson, 24, were charged in connection with her death. When approached by law enforcement, Hutchinson died by suicide. Watch previous coverage in the player above.
Police said both made false statements as to what occurred the night of Bretz's hospitalization, nor did they account for how the injuries were sustained while Bretz was in their care.
According to Franklin County Children Services, the organization said a case was open on Bretz's behalf at birth in 2019 when reports of a positive drug test were received. A second report was received related to concerns about neglect in 2020. Both cases were closed after the family met with caseworkers and the children were assessed to be safe, the FCCS said.
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FCCS caseworkers have also responded to reports of abuse and neglect to Bretz' brothers and sister, whose ages are unknown. An ongoing investigation was open at the time of Bretz's death.
The FCCS said that Fagan and her children were repeatedly encouraged to take advantage of numerous supportive services and assistance, made available to families in our care who are facing difficulties.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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