A Colorado mother has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder months after her 16-year-old daughter was found dead in their Arvada home with more than 170 empty alcohol bottles. Gretchen Leanne Ryan, 55, faces charges stemming from an investigation that alleges she supplied her daughter, Grace Elizabeth Ryan, with copious amounts of alcohol.
Investigators believe Ryan's actions contributed to her daughter's death, which an autopsy report attributed to aspiration pneumonia related to chronic alcohol use. Grace also exhibited an abnormally fatty liver for her age, indicative of prolonged alcohol consumption.
First responders discovered Grace unresponsive on the morning of March 9. At the scene, Ryan allegedly slurred her words and told detectives, "I killed her." A search of the residence uncovered 173 empty alcohol bottles stored under Grace's bed and in her closet.
Digital evidence, including text messages, allegedly shows Ryan frequently consumed alcohol and marijuana with her daughter. The messages also reportedly reveal Grace experiencing significant health issues in the months leading up to her death, including vomiting blood, difficulty eating and walking, and expressing concern that she was going to die. Grace reportedly told her mother, "If you’re going to do this to me you need to take me to a hospital." Ryan, however, allegedly dismissed her daughter's concerns and suggested marijuana instead of alcohol.
Grace had confided in a friend a week before her death, stating she was an alcoholic and desired sobriety. Her mother allegedly told police that her daughter vomited from drinking at least once a week.
Ryan reportedly attempted to conceal her daughter's alcohol abuse from Grace's father, who was living in the basement of their home. Grace had been transitioned to online schooling in April 2025, completing only one semester and participating in no outside activities.
An obituary described Grace as an empathetic and compassionate individual who enjoyed art, music, church, crafts, and caring for pets. She aspired to become a social worker.
Ryan was booked into the Jefferson County Jail on a $500,000 cash-only bond. Her next court date is scheduled for July 16. She has not yet entered a plea, and it is unclear if she has legal representation.