A Law, a Death, and a Missing Child: The Case of Hanna Brooke Fretwell
In April 2024, the state of Alabama passed new legislation that allows an individual to be charged with manslaughter if they sell, give, or distribute a controlled substance containing fentanyl or related substances that results in another person’s death. Often referred to as a drug-induced homicide law, this statute makes it easier for prosecutors to pursue serious charges against those who supply fatal drugs. Under Alabama Code §13A-6-3, the charge is a Class B felony, carrying a possible sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
This law matters—because it sits at the center of a devastating case that left one woman dead and a six-month-old baby missing.
Who Was Hanna Brooke Fretwell?
On June 24, 2024, Hanna Fretwell’s body was discovered inside a mobile home after a fire broke out at 4200 Freedom Court, Phenix City, Alabama. She was a single mother to a six-month-old baby boy, Josiah James Reed.
A Troubled Cycle
Hanna’s upbringing was marked by instability. Her mother, Tracy Ann Fretwell, had a long history of involvement with drugs and prior arrests. Tragically, Hanna would later become entangled in the same drug circle she grew up around.
When Hanna became pregnant, she reportedly stayed clean throughout the pregnancy. After Josiah was born, however, Hanna relapsed. Whether sustained support could have changed her path is a question that will never have a clear answer—but it is one that haunts this case.
The Night Everything Went Wrong
According to investigators, Tracy Ann Fretwell stopped by the Freedom Court residence and supplied Hanna with drugs. Hanna later overdosed on methamphetamine, ingesting a fatal amount approximately three hours before the fire, which broke out around 5:30 a.m.
An autopsy later confirmed that Hanna died before the fire started. There was no smoke inhalation in her lungs, and her identity was confirmed through a tattoo. The Alabama Fire Marshal’s Office ruled the fire’s cause as undetermined, a finding that raised serious questions and concerns.
Where Is Baby Josiah?
Josiah had been inside the home earlier that night. Two other individuals were also present at the residence. What remains unknown is whether Tracy Ann Fretwell removed the baby from the home before the fire—or where he was taken.
As firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze and later sifted through the debris, they were unable to locate Josiah. After multiple searches, investigators confirmed that the baby was not inside the home when the fire occurred.
On June 24, 2024, Josiah was entered into the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) database as a missing child.
Arrest and Charges
On October 10, 2024, at 9:45 p.m., Tracy Ann Fretwell was arrested and charged under Alabama Code §13A-6-3 with manslaughter, directly tied to the distribution of drugs that caused her daughter’s death. She remains in custody, and as of now, no trial date has been scheduled.
This case represents one of the most significant early applications of Alabama’s drug-induced homicide law.
Unanswered Questions
Someone knows what happened to Josiah James Reed.
Was he taken during a drug exchange?
Was he trafficked or illegally adopted?
Was he hidden by someone trying to avoid responsibility?
As court proceedings move forward, there is hope that critical information may finally be revealed—information that could bring answers, accountability, and possibly reunite this child with safety.
How You Can Help
If you have any information regarding the disappearance or whereabouts of Josiah James Reed, please contact 911 immediately.
One law changed how justice is pursued in Alabama.
One woman lost her life.
And one baby is still missing.
Someone holds the final piece of this puzzle.
**This story was submitted by fellow advocate, Donna. Thank you for sharing this story**
