Tag Archive for: Hannah Overton

Hannah Overton on Dr. Phil

Hannah Overton, who was accused and convicted of salt-poisoning her foster son, and then released in 2015 spoke out on the Dr. Phil show. I wrote about Hannah back in 2008 saying I believed her and believed that she did not cause Andrew to eat all of that salt.

I think their parenting style left a lot to be desired, frankly, but that doesn’t mean you are guilty of murder.

It’s interesting watching Hannah on Dr. Phil yesterday. What stood out most to me were her children. They did not seem happy at all. Did you notice? It makes me question why. Was it being without their mom all of these years?

Hannah Overton’s Conviction Overturned!!


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I am so thrilled to learn that Hannah Overton’s conviction has been overturned. This poor woman and her family suffered from Hannah being wrongly convicted.

Back in October of 2008, I watched her story on 20/20 and immediately trusted her despite a handful of clues that made people look at her. You can read my post here.

And now this week, seven years later, Hannah was finally freed!

This is the best news ever!!

It feels so good to see the truth prevail!!

Let’s just pray that they do not bring further charges again.

So happy for Hannah and her family!

Hannah Overton: Prosecution Withheld Key Evidence

Salt and Pepper

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!!

Hannah Overton

What Happened to Andrew? (video)

When you first hear the story that a recently adopted boy dies in his new home after only four months time, you immediately go on alert. The timing of little Andrew Burd’s death raises a red flag. There is no doubt about it.

Read moreWorse, the little boy’s former foster mother, Sharon Hamil, testified that the boy was fine and never exhibited any excessive or odd eating behaviors in her care.

The hospital where Andrew Burd was taken also said they saw bruising on the little boy’s body which alerted them.

That’s three red flags that can’t be ignored. So then you would think it was appropriate that in 2007, Hannah Overton was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Well, sadly, I completely disagree.

When I watched this case on 48 Hours, and I listened to Hannah Overton speak on the stand, I can tell you that I trust her. I believe she is 100% innocent, and I suspect that little Andrew Burd did indeed suffer from pica.

There is just a genuineness about Overton that can’t be faked. There is a sincerity, and honesty that are undeniable. Overton is someone who I would call a postive person. Overton truly believed the truth would set her free, but sadly, it did not.

More than that, when you look at Overton’s demeanor, she does not have any of the typical traits of a mom who would abuse her children. She is not full of anger, hate, rage, or unsteady in her emotional state. She is quite the contrary: balanced, even-keeled and loved children more than most people.

What made this case even more fascinating to me were the other players in this trial. While I don’t want to name names, I will tell you there were several people who spoke against Overton whom I do not trust nor would I ever trust. They hit me as angry and mad, and completely unable to be objective. That’s unfortunately how an injustice like this can and does occur.

I hope that Hannah Overton’s appeal is granted. She is truly deserving to be set free.

Two Stories

This weekend two fascinating stories were profiled on 20/20 and 48 Hours.

I have so many thoughts of both of these cases, and I just wanted to let you know I will be writing about them both this week!

48 Hours has put the entire show online, too, which makes it much easier for me to show you my thoughts. Stay tuned for more…

Story #2

What Happened to Andrew?