Billy Bob Thornton's Daughter Defended

5 months ago 02nd Jun 15:00

Billy Bob Thornton's ex-wife has compared the death of the toddler her daughter was babysitting to the passing of Natasha Richardson.

Melissa Parish - who was married to Thornton for two years before they split in 1980 - has defended their daughter Amanda Brumfield, who has been charged with child neglect after the one-year-old girl she was caring for died after falling from her playpen.

Brumfield allegedly witnessed the accident, which took place in her home in Ocoee, Florida, last October, but failed to call an ambulance, even though the child's tongue was bleeding. Brumfield insists the baby seemed "happy and playful".

Parish thinks her daughter should not be blamed for the death because she had no way of knowing the baby was injured.

She likened the accident to the death of Natasha Richardson, who passed away earlier this year after a skiing accident, even though she felt fine after the fall.

a substantial number of years

Parish explained: "When you have a situation that does not indicate distress. There are no signs of distress, then there is no reason to immediately call police."

More than two hours after the fall, Brumfield awoke from a nap to find the toddler "limp". Doctors later discovered she had died as a result of a fractured skull and a subdural hematoma.

Detectives investigating the case claim Brumfield's story is inconsistent with the girl's injuries and charged her with child neglect causing harm or disability on Friday (29.05.09).

She was later released on bail.

Thornton's publicist said the actor hasn't spoken to Brumfield for "a substantial number of years".