A Georgia resident is facing charges after allegedly causing his wife’s death by engaging in sexual activity with her while knowing he was HIV positive.
Cleveland Broadie is accused of having been aware of his HIV status since 2006 but failing to inform any of his subsequent sexual partners.
He is now facing indictment on murder charges.
His wife, Denise Broadie, passed away in April 2022, just two days after receiving her HIV diagnosis.
Denise had previously fought cancer twice, with the disease going into remission in 2017 and 2019. Her declining health puzzled doctors, who were unsure of the underlying cause.
Comprehensive testing revealed that she had advanced AIDS, and she passed away shortly after the diagnosis.
Allegations suggest that Cleveland, who married Denise in 2014, never disclosed his HIV status to her.
Denise’s family enlisted a private investigator and claimed to have found evidence that Cleveland was diagnosed with HIV in 2006 and likely transmitted the virus to Denise shortly after they met.
Because she was unaware of her infection, Denise could not seek treatment, allowing the virus to progress into AIDS.
Following Cleveland’s story becoming public, at least two other women have come forward, resulting in additional reckless conduct charges in 2023.
Atlanta police have informed local media that they believe there could be multiple victims.
In Georgia, it is illegal to knowingly engage in sexual activity without disclosing one’s HIV status.
Denise’s family is reportedly outraged that she could not seek treatment until it was too late, with her daughter accusing Cleveland of acting with ‘malice.’
Cleveland has pleaded not guilty to the 2023 charges but has yet to enter a plea for the murder charge.
HIV treatment and management have vastly improved over the years, with survival rates now at an all-time high.
The CDC notes that individuals with HIV can receive treatment to prevent transmitting the virus to others.
They advise: “HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. Without treatment, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
“There is currently no effective cure. Once people get HIV, they have it for life. But proper medical care can control the virus.
“People with HIV who get on and stay on effective HIV treatment can live long, healthy lives and protect their partners.”