Gerrard Kaonga
A man from Georgia has been accused of causing the death of his wife after sleeping with her knowing he was HIV positive.
Cleveland Broadie is accused of having been aware of his diagnosis since 2006, but failing to inform any of his following sexual partners.
He has now been indicted on murder charges.
His wife Denise Broadie died in April 2022, only two days after getting her official diagnosis.
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Denise had previously battled cancer twice, the disease going into remission in 2017 and 2019, but her ailing health seemed to baffle doctors who were unsure of what was the cause.
Intensive testing discovered that she had advanced AIDS, and the mother died shortly after.
It's alleged that Cleveland, who married Denise back in 2014, never mentioned that he was HIV positive.
Denise’s family hired a private investigator and claimed to have determined that Cleveland had been diagnosed as HIV positive back in 2006 and likely passed the virus to his wife shortly after the pair had met.
As she was unaware that she had contracted the disease she could not seek treatment, allowing the virus to develop into AIDS.
Since news of Cleveland’s story became public, at least two other women have come forward, leading to additional reckless conduct charges in 2023.
Police have told the local media in Atlanta, Georgia, that they believe there may be many victims.
In the state of Georgia it is illegal to intentionally engage in sexual activity without disclosing your HIV status.
Denise’s family are said to be furious that she was unable to seek treatment until it was too late, with her daughter accusing Cleveland of ‘malice’ in his actions.
Cleveland pleaded not guilty to the 2023 charges, but has not yet entered a plea for the murder charge.
HIV is considered considerably more treatable and containable than in previous decades, with long-term survival rates being at an all time high.
According to a report by the CDC, those with HIV can be treated and prevent themselves from passing on the disease.
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.”