A Colorado woman is facing a second degree murder charge after prosecutors allege she regularly provided alcohol to her teenage daughter, who authorities say died from complications related to chronic alcohol use.
The First Judicial District Attorney’s Office announced that Gretchen Leanne Ryan, 55, has been charged in connection with the death of her 16 year old daughter, Grace Elizabeth Ryan. The teen was found dead March 9 inside the family’s Arvada home.
Investigation
Authorities responded to reports of an unresponsive female and later determined the teenager had died at the residence. A preliminary autopsy found the teen had an abnormally fatty liver for someone her age, a condition medical professionals said was consistent with prolonged alcohol consumption.
Her cause of death was ruled aspiration pneumonia related to chronic alcohol use, according to investigators.
During a search of the home, detectives said they discovered 173 empty alcohol bottles hidden in the teen’s bedroom, including under her bed and inside a closet. The bottles included various brands and sizes of vodka and other hard liquor.
Allegations
Prosecutors allege that Ryan regularly purchased alcohol for her daughter and consumed it with her. According to the district attorney’s office, text messages between the two show near daily discussions about drinking and obtaining alcohol beginning in September 2025.
Investigators said the messages indicate Ryan arranged frequent alcohol deliveries to the home and took steps to hide the teen’s drinking from her father, who primarily lived in the basement.
Despite clear signs of serious health problems, prosecutors said Ryan continued to supply her daughter with alcohol.
Health Concerns
According to court documents, the teen experienced severe symptoms tied to alcohol use, including vomiting blood, difficulty eating, trouble walking, and the need to use diapers. Text messages show the teen expressed fear she might die and repeatedly shared concerns about her health with her mother.
The night before her death, the teen told her mother via text that she was not feeling well, investigators said.
School and Isolation
Police said the teen was unenrolled from her high school in April 2025 and switched to online classes. At the time of her death, she had completed only one online semester of ninth grade.
Authorities said she had not participated in activities outside the home for several months.
Charges
Ryan is charged with second degree murder and is being held in the Jefferson County Jail on a $500,000 cash only bond. Court records did not indicate a scheduled trial date.
The case remains under review as prosecutors move forward.
FAQs
Who was charged in the case?
Gretchen Leanne Ryan, the teen’s mother.
What was the teen’s cause of death?
Aspiration pneumonia related to chronic alcohol use.
Where did the death occur?
At the family’s home in Arvada, Colorado.
How many bottles were found?
Investigators reported finding 173 empty alcohol bottles.
What bond is the mother being held on?
A $500,000 cash only bond.
