About this episode

The episode discusses the investigation into Grace Ryan's death and the charges against her mother, Gretchen Ryan, for providing alcohol to her despite her declining health.

In March 2026, 16 year old Grace Ryan was found unresponsive inside her Colorado home after months of declining health. Investigators later alleged that her struggle with alcohol had continued for months and that those closest to her were aware of just how serious her condition had become. As detectives examined text messages, medical records, and evidence collected from the home, prosecutors alleged that Grace’s mother, Gretchen Ryan, had regularly provided alcohol to her daughter despite repeated signs that she needed urgent medical care. Court documents also described conversations in which both mother and daughter acknowledged the severity of Grace’s condition. The investigation ultimately led to a second degree murder charge against Gretchen Ryan. Prosecutors allege the evidence demonstrates an ongoing pattern of conduct that contributed to Grace’s death. As of this recording, the case remains active, and Gretchen Ryan has not been convicted of the charges against her. The Grace Ryan case has sparked difficult conversations about parental responsibility, addiction, and when criminal liability may extend beyond a single decision. Follow True Crime Recaps for weekly cases…

People in this episode

Hosts: Amy Townsend, Chris Nathan

Topics covered

• investigation
• parental responsibility
• addiction
• criminal liability
• second degree murder

Keywords

• Grace Ryan
• Gretchen Ryan
• Colorado
• second degree murder
• alcohol addiction
• parental responsibility
• investigation

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Colorado

More episodes of True Crime Recaps

• The Mystery of Nolan Wells' Final Hours · July 21, 2026 · 13 min
• Cameras Caught Her Crossing the Street Then She Vanished Into the Park · July 18, 2026 · 19 min
• 20 Years After Her Fall They Arrested Her Husband Mid Yoga Class · July 16, 2026 · 19 min
• The Chilling Six-Minute Phone Call That Convicted Former NFL Scout Blaise Taylor · July 14, 2026 · 17 min
• Did Someone Kill Mercedes Marianna Vega to Stop Her From Testifying? · July 9, 2026 · 23 min
• Someone Killed Her Inside Her Own Home and Left the 2-Week-Old Behind · July 7, 2026 · 11 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the True Crime Recaps podcast page.