Billy Bob's Ex: Baby Tragedy Mirrors Liam's Wife

Billy Bob ThortonBilly Bob Thornton's ex wife claims their daughter did nothing wrong during the events that led to the death of a 1-year-old child she was babysitting back in October -- and claims the incident was eerily similar to the death of Liam Neeson's wife.

TMZ spoke with Melissa Parish (former Melissa Gatlin), who told us her daughter Amanda Brumfield had "no reason" to call 911 when the baby fell from her playpen on that fateful night, because there were "no signs of distress. "

Parish compared the incident to the mysterious death of actress Natasha Richardson, who died a few days after a seemingly harmless fall while skiing, saying "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."

After the fall, Brumfield fell asleep with the child -- when she awoke hours later, the child's body was limp. Officials later determined the child died from a subdural hematoma caused by the fall.

Brumfield was later arrested and charged with child neglect.

Melissa told us Amanda was best friends with the baby's mother and was the baby's godmother -- and is devastated by what occurred.



Tags: amanda brumfield, AmandaBrumfield, billy bob thornton, BillyBobThornton, melissa gatlin, MelissaGatlin

Reader Comments

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1. 103rd bitches

Posted at 11:44AM on Jun 1st 2009 by goukgf

2. I guess it would be similar, if it wasn't for the fact that Natasha Richardson got immediate medical attention, was rushed to the hospital and doctors knew it was serious right away.

Posted at 11:44AM on Jun 1st 2009 by Medley

3. I hate this evil website.

Posted at 11:44AM on Jun 1st 2009 by josh

4. Guess she wont be babysitting anytime soon.

Posted at 11:44AM on Jun 1st 2009 by Cleveland-West_Side

5. Anyone who is around babies knows you never let them go to sleep after a fall or hitting their head. She was old enough to know this. Because of the Natasha Richardson incident it definitely should have been knowledge since it was all over the news. I think several people have been saved because of that incident. Being the godmother and best friend of the mother has nothing to do with common sense and responsibility.

Posted at 11:46AM on Jun 1st 2009 by originalkat

6. #1 post - No life, huh? Must suck to be you! So far as the article goes, any human that is a product of Billy Bob Thornton must be frightful indeed.

Posted at 11:50AM on Jun 1st 2009 by Crystal

7. accidents happen and sometimes they are deadly. not everyone out there is a murdered or abuser!!!!!!!!!!!! What a tragic accident

Posted at 11:50AM on Jun 1st 2009 by jjloca

8. put your finger on your nose 2. hold your breath for 5 seconds 3. say the name of your love 4. that person will ask you out on the next Friday 5. you will have the best day tomorrow 6. if you don't copy and paste to 2 other sites comment taker you will have bad luck and die in 2 days. have a nice day♥

Posted at 11:49AM on Jun 1st 2009 by Sylvr

9. This is in reference to Medley's comment.....Natasha was not immediately rushed to the hospital until like 2hrs later. Once the baby fell of the playpen (which she should have been supervised), Amanda should have kept the baby awake and not take a nap on the couch!

Posted at 11:52AM on Jun 1st 2009 by JACsMom

10. originalkat #5 - Hello - Don't you read? This incident happened LAST OCTOBER. Natasha Richardson was still alive then. Natasha's head injury happened in MARCH 2009. Geez - we're surrounded by morons.

Posted at 11:50AM on Jun 1st 2009 by Jannine

11. I KNOW Amanda.....and I KNOW she would NEVER intentionally put a child in harms way!!! She is a WONDERFUL mother and a WONDERFUL person!!! She is absolutely one of the MOST CARING people I have ever met!! These people saying such hateful things about someone and a situation they know nothing about are obviously just plain ignorant!!!! If you don't know the facts, just SHUT UP!!!! I LOVE YOU AMANDA!!!

Posted at 11:56AM on Jun 1st 2009 by Angel

12. Unfornately for Natasha, # 2, she DIDN'T get help right away, it was at least 5 hours and I have heard even longer than that, before she was taken to the hospital, so I would say there is a chance, this might be the same kind of thing. At least we shouldn't be judgmental, before hearing all the facts.

Posted at 11:57AM on Jun 1st 2009 by vsl

13. Baby's bump their heads all the time. If 911 was called every time, the system would be so overwhelmed it wouldn't even function. Accidents happen; it's too bad but they do. It doesn't mean somebody needs to go to prison.

Posted at 12:07PM on Jun 1st 2009 by RobN

14. TMZ at times you guys are EVIL.....what goes around comes back around....

Posted at 12:11PM on Jun 1st 2009 by TMZ IS EVIL AT TIMES

15. This is a good example, once again, why it is never a good idea to babysit for other people's kids.
Accidents can and do happen, and people do not always use the best judgement.
She is not a trained nurse and it's doubtful there was criminal intent. I feel bad for her and the parents.

Posted at 12:36PM on Jun 1st 2009 by Sue

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