Hannah Overton: Prosecution Withheld Key Evidence

DEATH BY SALT POISONING

Back in 2008, I saw the story of Hannah Overton. Hannah was a woman who loved children, who donated her time to children’s causes and who eventually fostered a little boy in need named Andrew Burd. She wanted to adopt Andrew. Andrew suffered from a rare eating disorder that caused him to have a ravenous appetite. Andrew sadly died in Hannah’s care in 2006 at the age of four.

The prosecution contended that Hannah punished Andrew and made him eat a lethal amount of salt. Hannah was convicted of killing Andrew, and was found guilty of capital murder in 2007 and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.

In 2008, I saw the story detailed on ABC, and in the story, I got to see Hannah Overton on the stand talk about the accusations against her. I was absolutely certain this woman truly loved children and had Andrew’s best interest at heart. I disagreed with the juries decision. You can read my thoughts here.

This morning, when I came to my computer, a reader who disagreed with my opinion graciously wrote me and shared an update in this case that I had not heard about.

From MySanAntonio.com, “…San Antonio Express-News staff writer John MacCormack has reported [that] the case against Overton was deeply flawed. Even former Nueces County District Attorney Anna Jimenez, who as a prosecutor helped argue the case against Overton, now concedes that her conviction was “an injustice.”

The article continues, “Overton’s new attorney, Cynthia Orr of San Antonio, contends the prosecution withheld critical evidence about Andrew’s medical history as well as medical evidence that erodes the case for intentional poisoning.”

You can read more here.

Sadly, at this point, the courts are denying an appeal. I hope this changes soon! Hannah deserves to be set free!!