A Conyers, Georgia man, Cleveland Broadie, was sentenced on October 7, 2026, to 15 years in prison for reckless conduct after pleading guilty to charges related to spreading Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) to multiple women, including his wife, Denise Broadie, who later died from complications of the disease. The plea deal allowed Broadie to avoid a trial on murder charges. He could be released after eight years, subject to conditions including staying out of Rockdale County, having no contact with victims' families, sharing medical records with probation, and maintaining HIV medication.
Denise Broadie, who had been married to Cleveland Broadie since 2014, died on April 2, 2022. Her death certificate cited pneumonia and respiratory failure "due to Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome" as the cause. Her diagnosis of HIV, which had progressed to AIDS, was only discovered shortly before her death, according to the source material. Doctors indicated the illness had gone undiagnosed and untreated for years. Her family, aware of Denise's ongoing fight with cancer, had not suspected an additional, separate illness contributed to her struggles, discovering the true extent of her condition too late.
Denise Broadie’s daughters, Karen Young and Tammy Hammonds, alleged their mother had not been sexually active with anyone else. The daughters, who are not related to Cleveland Broadie, faced an uphill battle seeking an investigation into their mother's death. Young stated that they had "fought tooth and nail trying to get attention and get police to investigate" their concerns. Hammonds and Young credit media attention that began in 2023 for prompting a police investigation into the case.
The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office eventually arrested Cleveland Broadie. The warrant for his arrest specified that he had known his HIV status since 2006 but had not disclosed it to his wife, Denise Broadie. The investigation expanded as two additional women came forward, stating that Cleveland Broadie had not disclosed his HIV status to them before engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse. Ultimately, Broadie was indicted on five charges: malice murder, felony murder, and three counts of reckless conduct.
During a hearing in May 2025, Rockdale County prosecutors argued that Cleveland Broadie had intentionally concealed his diagnosis, was not consistently taking his medication, and had unprotected sex with his wife and other women. Broadie's defense attorney countered, claiming that Broadie had disclosed his status to his wife in writing prior to their marriage. Denise Broadie’s family disputed this claim. The plea agreement ultimately resolved the case without a full trial.
Following the plea deal, Denise Broadie's daughters expressed a sense of closure and justice. Tammy Hammonds commented that their main goal had been to hold him accountable, which they had achieved. Karen Young indicated they were satisfied to have secured some measure of justice. Hammonds noted that accepting the outcome was beneficial for their mental health and wellbeing, recognizing that no amount of prison time could fully compensate for her mother’s death. Young reflected on their extensive journey, stating they were ready to move forward in life, mourn their mother, and enjoy life as she would have wished. She also believed her mother would be proud of their perseverance in seeking justice for her and the other victims.