173 empty bottles, text messages, and an iPad on the floor.

On March 9th, 2026, 55-year-old Gretchen Ryan called 911 to report that she had found her 16-year-old daughter Grace unresponsive on the bathroom floor.

First responders arrived and Grace Ryan was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Investigators found empty bottles of alcohol hidden throughout the teenage girl’s room.

At first her mother claimed she didn’t know if her daughter had been “getting into her stuff” but an investigation revealed something more sinister than anyone could have imagined.

If you or someone you know is suffering from substance abuse, there is help available. In the US, resources are available by calling 1-800-662-4357 or visiting SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

SOURCES:

Woman Charged with Murder Following Death of Her 16-Year-Old Daughter - Colorado First Judicial District Attorney's Office

https://www.foxnews.com/us/colorado-mom-allegedly-bought-alcohol-daily-16-year-old-daughter-found-dead-173-empty-bottles

‘I’m killing you’: Docs show mom feared jail before teen’s alcohol‑related death

Mom charged with murder of daughter, 16, who drank herself to death

https://www.denverpost.com/2026/06/03/colorado-mom-charged-murder-teen-alcohol-death/

Least of These on Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/leastofthesepodcast/

Least of These Discussion Group: https://m.facebook.com/groups/288046119723080/?ref=pages_profile_groups_tab&paipv=1

Least of These on Instagram:

www.instagram.com/least_ofthese/

Support the show and get your episodes ad free at: https://www.patreon.com/leastofthesepodcast