The Brandon Blanchard case ended on July 17, 2025, when Indian River County Circuit Judge Robert Meadows sentenced the Vero Beach man to 30 years in the Florida Department of Corrections, the maximum allowed, for the aggravated manslaughter of his 76-year-old mother, Deanne Blanchard.1TCPalm. Vero Beach Man Sentenced in Manslaughter Death of His Mother
How Deanne Blanchard Died
Deanne Blanchard was pronounced dead at HCA Florida Vero Beach Emergency at 5:50 a.m. on February 6, 2021.2TCPalm. Brandon Blanchard Guilty of Manslaughter Related to His Mother’s Death A medical examiner ruled her death a homicide, finding she had died from complications of an untreated broken right arm, a blood infection, infected bed sores, and hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.3VeroNews. Man Convicted of Aggravated Manslaughter in Mother’s Death Roughly 80 percent of her body was covered in bed sores.
A doctor who examined her body reported signs of “severe neglect,” and the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office opened an investigation the same day.4TCPalm. Woman’s Death Ruled Homicide, Caretakers Arrested
The Caregiver Arrangement
Brandon Blanchard, an unemployed and disabled military veteran who had previously served as a Navy field medical service technician, had been his mother’s caregiver for 14 years alongside his wife, Yannie Adelia Lund. The three had lived together in a Vista Royale condominium since at least 2017.2TCPalm. Brandon Blanchard Guilty of Manslaughter Related to His Mother’s Death
Authorities alleged Blanchard knew his mother had broken her arm weeks before her death but refused to take her to a hospital, citing concerns about COVID-19.3VeroNews. Man Convicted of Aggravated Manslaughter in Mother’s Death In a second interview with investigators, he shifted his account and said Lund had “convinced and manipulated him” against seeking medical care.2TCPalm. Brandon Blanchard Guilty of Manslaughter Related to His Mother’s Death
Arrest and Charge
On May 13, 2021, about three months after Deanne’s death, Blanchard and Lund were both arrested and charged with manslaughter. Each was held at the Indian River County Jail on $150,000 bond.5VeroNews. Couple Charged With Manslaughter in Death of 76-Year-Old Woman The specific charge, aggravated manslaughter of an elderly or disabled adult, is a first-degree felony in Florida carrying a maximum of 30 years in prison.3VeroNews. Man Convicted of Aggravated Manslaughter in Mother’s Death
Trial and Conviction
Blanchard’s case went to trial before Circuit Judge Robert Meadows. On June 18, 2025, a jury found him guilty of aggravated manslaughter of an elderly or disabled adult, and he was held at the Indian River County Jail without bond to await sentencing.3VeroNews. Man Convicted of Aggravated Manslaughter in Mother’s Death
The 30-Year Sentence
On July 17, 2025, Judge Meadows imposed the sentence prosecutors had recommended: 30 years in the Florida Department of Corrections, the statutory maximum for the offense. Blanchard was 43 at sentencing.1TCPalm. Vero Beach Man Sentenced in Manslaughter Death of His Mother
What Happened to His Wife
Yannie Adelia Lund was charged separately with the same count and pleaded not guilty. During the investigation she told authorities she had bathed Deanne but denied knowing about the bed sores or the severity of the arm injury, saying only that the arm appeared bruised and swollen.2TCPalm. Brandon Blanchard Guilty of Manslaughter Related to His Mother’s Death
After several scheduling changes, her case was resolved separately. On October 15, 2025, Judge Meadows sentenced Lund, then 63, to 11.5 years in prison. She had faced the same 30-year maximum as her former husband.6TCPalm. Indian River County Woman Gets Nearly 12 Years in Prison for Death of Disabled Woman