Andrew Burd, Hannah Overton

MySpace: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm...ndid=425296516

Free Hannah: Free Hannah: http://sarahwalstonsblog.wordpress.c...annah-overton/ Bah!

Some of you may remember this case. On October 3, 2006, Hannah Overton punished her 4-year-old foster child, Andrew Budd, forcing him to drink water laced with chili powder, salt, pepper and other spices. He died the next day from sodium poisoning. Hannah and Larry Overton were charged with Capital Murder.

The Crime:

Corpus Christi - The couple's other children each separately told authorities that this was a common form of punishment, but that Andrew got it worse than all of them because he was "always in trouble." They also told police that their mother often confined Andrew to his bed for long periods of time, that he had to pee and poop in the bed, and that she would watch him through a security camera to make sure he didn't get up. The children also said that Andrew was not ever allowed to go with the family on trips.
Part of recent court documents is an affidavit containing Hannah Overton's confession to authorities. Her story had changed from the original one, and she stated that on the day of his death, she had been angry with Andrew (for what is unclear) and had made him two sippy cups of water mixed with chili powder: one to teach a lesson, and the other as a punishment. He drank the water, then threw up and fell and bumped his head. She said she then picked him up and beat the s*** out of him. When she discovered he was not breathing, she panicked and called her husband who came home from work. Eventually, the husband took Andrew to a clinic. Authorities say the couple waited hours before taking him anywhere.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/art...?page=3&cat=62

The Trial:

Jurors in the capital murder trial of Hannah Overton were shown photos of 4-year-old Andrew Burd's injured body Monday. Ulcerated lesions on one of his hands, bruises to his knee, face, chest and buttocks, along with sores on one of his elbows, were depicted in the photos.

"There were so many bruises and scratches it would have been difficult to describe them all," Rotta said, adding that photos made documenting the injuries easier.

Overton and her 31-year-old husband, Larry Overton, are charged with capital murder. They were in the process of adopting Andrew through Spaulding for Children.

Some of the areas on Andrew's body with scratches were unlikely to be self-inflicted, Dr. Alexandre Rotta said.

Rotta testified it would have taken 23 teaspoons of Zatarain's Creole Seasoning to reach the toxic level of sodium in Andrew's system. A 17-ounce container of that same brand was found at the Overtons' house.
http://www.caller.com/news/2007/aug/...boys-injuries/

Guilty Verdict and Appeal:

The 31 year old mother of five is currently serving a life sentence for the death of her 4 year old foster child Andrew Burd.

But, this case is far from over. It's now on appeal.

On Thursday morning, (today) the 13th Court of Appeals made up of three judges will hear oral arguments from both sides.

It's one of those cases that stirs up emotion and strong feelings in this community. It's been a high profile one and was just recently featured to a national audience on ABC's 20/20.
http://www.kiiitv.com/news/local/33936144.html

Hannah Overton is a good Christian woman who believed, 'spare the Zatarain's and spoil the child'. Here's hoping that her appeal fails.

Hat tip to Hunnie.