Billy Bob's Daughter Indicted in Babysitting Death
Ocoee Police Department, Alan Davidson/Getty Images
Amanda Brumfield, the estranged daughter of Billy Bob Thornton, was indicted Wednesday in Florida on murder charges for the 2008 death of a 1-year-old girl Brumfield was babysitting.
The 29-year-old daughter of Thornton and ex-wife Melissa Gatlin is facing counts of first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse and aggravated manslaughter. Per the Orlando Sentinel, a tearful Brumfield appeared in court accompanied by her lawyer. A judge rejected her request for bail and ordered her held in jail.
Brumfield told investigators the infant, Olivia Garcia, died on Oct. 3 after tumbling head-first out of her playpen. But the medical examiner ruled the fall could not have caused the child's fractured skull and authorities say Brumfield waited more than two hours before calling paramedics.
In the wake of her arrest last month, the 53-year-old Thornton released a statement through his publicist indicating that he had been estranged from Amanda and had "no contact with her for quite some time." He also offered condolences to the Garcia family.
Billy Bob's Daughter Arrested in Babysitting-Related Death
Ocoee Police Department, Alan Davidson/Getty Images
Amanda Brumfield, the estranged daughter of Billy Bob Thornton, was arrested in Florida on Friday stemming from the death of a child under her care last year.
According to the police affidavit obtained by E! News, Brumfield, the 29-year-old daughter of Thornton and ex-wife Melissa Gatlin, was charged with child neglect after telling investigators in October 2008 that "the child had fallen and hit her head." Since then, police have revealed that Brumfield did not call for help for another two-and-a-half hours.
Thornton's publicist, Arnold Robinson, released a statement to E! News on behalf of the actor.
"Mr. Thornton is estranged from Amanda and has had no contact with her for quite some time, however when informed about this situation he commented that, 'Anytime a baby's life is lost is an unimaginable tragedy and my heart goes out to the baby's family and loved ones.'"
The Big Picture
Fallout Boy After wowing 'em (and then some) at the American Music Awards, Adam keeps it low-key in NYC
More PhotosMost Commented
- Bitch-Back! Breaking News—Johnny's a Hottie (915)
- Rob and Kristen "Relaxed" Together in NYC (674)
- Costars and Suits Give Robsten Their Blessings! (650)
- Blab Blab Blab: Is Twilight Sexist? (553)
- Truth, Lies & Ted: Twilight Special (478)
- Why Won't Sarah Palin Go Away? (445)
- Is Ugly Betty Ending? And Who Gets the Girl? (427)
- Adam Lambert: For Your Entertainment—or His? (426)
- Is New Moon Even Good? (422)
- Review: New Moon Is Either Just Fine or Way Mopey, Depending On Who You Are (355)
Top 10 Stories
- Goodbye or Good Riddance to Jon & Kate Plus 8?
- Rihanna Sings Threesome, Avoids Going Naked on GMA
- Michael Lohan Runs Out of Family Members to Alienate, Starts Leaking Jon Gosselin Tapes
- It's a Sexy Job, but Adam Lambert's Gotta Do It!
- Donny Discovers Parts He Never Had Before for Dancing With the Stars Finale
- End of a Weird Era: Jon & Kate Plus 8 Signs Off
- Timbaland Denies Dumping Chris Brown
- New Sweet Home for Khloé and Lamar
- Family Wants Second Autopsy for Real Housewife Kandi Burruss' Slain Fiancé
- Sarah Jessica Parker Surrogate's Alleged Invader Found Somewhat Guilty
Fashion Police
Bring On the DramaLeave it to fearless fashionista Rihanna to make the fiercest statement on the AMAs red carpet
More Photos
-
Stroke of Luck? Whitney Houston Wins at American Music Awards
Honored singer honors award, handily more >> -
-
Making Concessions on Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders: Making the Team
Some girls have it harder than others more >>
Fun & Games
Latest Movie Reviews
Shop
-
All New Shop E! Online New site, new stuff!
-
Chelsea Lately Coffee Mug Check out the new Chelsea Lately section at Shop E! Online for more
Get Your E! News Now
