Theres An App for That. But at a hearing on the defenses motion for a new trial, Eastwood stated under oath that Cortes had always been a passionate advocate for the prosecution; he had even remarked to her that he thought Hannah should fry. Cortes does not dispute that story. They had also watched the video of Hess questioning Hannah, during which she described calling a paramedic friend in Oklahoma for guidance when the boys condition deteriorated, and even using her cameras flash to check if his pupils were reactive, but never calling for an ambulance. She would later admit, according to one report, to using alcohol, methamphetamines, cocaine and crack cocaine, LSD, marijuana, cigarettes, and taking prescription Xanax. His father was seventeen and worked for a traveling carnival. The Overtons moved forward with the adoption process, and in the spring of 2006, they received word that Andrew would be coming to live with them for a six-month trial period before the adoption was finalized. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. Normans remarks were hardly the stuff of a cocksure prosecutor. Hannah managed to clean him up, but when she reiterated that he would have to wait until lunchtime to eat, he defecated on the floor again. In 2005 the Overtons began to pursue the idea seriously. Overton has accused Eastwood of acting unethically in her case, something Eastwood has denied repeatedly. And when he became less responsive, she had pulled out her old EMT books to assess what was wrong. More outspoken was Andrews Sunday school teacher, who sat Hannah and Larry down and told them that he was a troubled kid. In his role as single dad, he is aided by his extended family and his many friends from Calvary Chapel, who pitch in to do cleaning, grocery shopping, laundry, and babysitting. Im a pretty easygoing guy, but I remember thinking, Six kids? Larry told me. Taken together, the disparate details formed a disturbing picture. See production, box office & company info. Now, she is 8 years old. The mood in the car was giddy; the kids were excitedly discussing the news that they would have a baby sister when Larry, distracted, ran a stop sign and collided with another car. My infrequent visits to my home of Richmond were always highlighted when I ran into Dabney and spend some time to catch up with one another. By clicking or navigating the site, you agree to allow our collection of information through cookies. We were in awe.. Overton spent seven years in prison for the murder of a young foster child that she says she didn't commit. The children liked to hang out in her room and talk to her, particularly Andrew, who always visited her for an extra hug before bedtime. Because he was vomiting? May your memories bring you comfort. There have been a few tear-filled nights because one of the kids misses Andrew, Larry told me later. Advertisement. The physician only said that the scratch marks he had noticed on the boys neck had been caused, he believed, by another person. Pam Rooker. I pray that you will bring Mom home soon.. Dabney always took time to talk to people and was a friend to many. Larry called out that dinner was ready, and we gathered inside around a rough-hewn oak table he had made years ago. Dabney will be missed by many. I remind them that the Lord loves him more than anyone could and we will see him again someday.. Exhausted from the previous night, she briefly dozed off, then awoke to discover that Andrew had slipped out of the room. Andrew continued eating until he threw up. Sister Overton grew up in Tuscumbia and lived most of her life in Florence. He was predeceased by : his parents, Theodore Roosevelt 'Jack' and Annie Overton of Washington; and his wife Claudia Cotten. In October 2006 a four-year-old from Corpus Christi named Andrew Burd died mysteriously of salt poisoning. Guest Book Not sure what to say? My Mother and Father will miss his visits to the house and his heartfelt caring and concerns for all of us. Tell "We cannot say thank you enough for all who have helped especially the attorneys who worked endless hours to prove my innocence and gain my freedom," Overton told ABC News today. Meanwhile, those who once pursued Hannah with such certainty have undergone their own trials. DABNEY OVERTON OBITUARY OVERTON, Dabney III, died peacefully on Monday, November 9, 2009 surrounded by family and friends. Overton was convicted of capital murder, an automatic life sentence in Texas because the child was under the age of 6. He displayed hyperactive behavior and possibly had some cognitive delays as well. The doctors assessment of Andrew as developmentally delayed was significant because it dovetailed with Hannahs testimony. -- Sarah Albiston, I enjoyed working with Dabney from time to time. Im supposed to be done crying, she said apologetically at one point, brushing away tears. Please know that you all are surrounded by love, no matter how great your grief. Hoping to show him that his behavior was self-destructive, Larry told Andrew one morning that he could have as much as he wanted for breakfast. If you would like to discuss your case with an attorney at Goldstein & Orr, then please contact us to schedule a consultation. We thought that he would stop turning to food for comfort when he learned that he could trust us. To try and curtail Andrews compulsive eating, they put him in time-outs, though to little effect. She had only one sibling, a brother who was seven years her junior, and a father who was largely absent from her life. Early in the pregnancy, Hannah and Larry were informed that the boy would likely have Down syndrome. Created by: Red; Added: 9 Apr 2016 . But the damage was done: that Hannah had confessed to force-feeding Andrew and beating him was repeated, uncorrected, on the local news. Hannah Overton, family celebrate her pregnancy months after she's declared innocent in boy's death, Hannah Overton, supporters chant 'Actually innocent' after capital murder dismissal, Nueces County DA to dismiss Overton case, declare woman innocent, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. We report on vital issues from politics to education and are the indispensable authority on the Texas scene, covering everything from music to cultural events with insightful recommendations. I believe that the same God who made him is with him now in the most immediate sense. In the midst of the chaos that followed, no one recognized how distressed Andrew was by the sight of Hannahs bloodied face. Hannah, my sister, Carolyn, and John and I are very sadden to learn about Dabney's passing. Cortes believed that Andrews death was accidental. Hess disavowed Garcias account at a court hearing regarding the Overton children, and prosecutors never entered Garcias affidavit into evidence or called him to testify at Hannahs trial. A more thorough investigation would have uncovered ample evidence to suggest that Andrew had an undiagnosed eating disorder, raising the possibility that he had unintentionally consumed too much salt on his own. The Carvers, like most members of Calvary Chapel, never doubted her innocence. This is a child that came in [to the emergency room] in cardiopulmonary arrest and was dying. News reports that followed, prominently featuring their grim-faced mug shots, cast the Overton home as a house of horrors. Overton's original trial attorneys admitted at an appeals hearing that they had made errors. He was loved by many for his gentle nature and loyalty. Hannah shrugged off the teachers warnings, certain that Andrew would improve once he had the stability of a permanent home. He was such a kind person and always had a smile on his face. I feel sad. The prosecutions most persuasive testimony came from Rotta, the pediatric critical care specialist who had originally expressed concern that Andrew had been mistreated. Relatives, neighbors, and members of the Overtons church pitched in to look after the kids during Hannahs recovery, but the revolving door of caregivers proved to be difficult for Andrew, who began acting out on a scale they had not seen before. The detective had been alerted to Andrews grave condition when the boy was transported to a nearby hospital the previous afternoon and, as was protocol, had begun looking into the circumstances surrounding the boys unusual and rapid decline. I remind them that the Lord loves him more than anyone could and he is with Him now and we will see him again someday.. The churchs pastor, Rod Carver, and his wife, Noreen, had initially considered taking in Andrew but ultimately decided he was more than they could handle. Would I really have stayed with a family that would abuse a child?, The most unsettling aspect of The State of Texas v. Hannah Ruth Overton, which got under way in August 2007, was how effectively a woman who had spent most of her life as a do-gooder could be recast as a monster. He was good to everyone he met. His other passion was his beloved dogs. It is a small thing for one who has suffered so greatly.". She was even slighter in person than I had expected, and as she related the events of the past five years in her soft voice, she looked hopelessly out of place in her white prison jumpsuit. Finally, Jimenez stated, I do not believe that there was sufficient evidence to indicate that Hannah Overton intentionally killed Andrew Burd. In response, Eastwood penned an affidavit, asserting that she did not engage in any misconduct. Dabney was born on July 31, 1963 and grew up in Essex County, Va. Before he left, Haller recalled his saying, You might want to prepare for the media.. When they took him along on errands, they had to keep him from eating the old gum and cigarette butts he found on the ground. It was like they were arresting Bonnie and Clyde, Gilmore said. We dont know precisely how she got it down Andrew, but we know that he was very, very obedient, Eastwood told the jury, standing before the TV news cameras that Judge Longoria had allowed inside the courtroom. When Hannah was sent to prison, her daughter, Emma, was still a breast-feeding newborn. How can one person get probation and another get life without parole for the same thing? Larry said. But he was adamant that the boys death had not been accidental. Weeping, they told the children that their brother had gone to be with Jesus. Overton spent seven years in prison before the Texas Court of Appeals overturned her capital murder charges on September 17, 2014. I am sad that I won't see my friend Dabney again in this life here on Earth. . Overton, 38, was convicted in 2007 after being accused of force-feeding young Andrew Burd enough salt to kill him, even though she had no previous problems with the law and was raising four children and was pregnant with a fifth. His foster mother, Hannah Overton, was charged with capital murder, vilified from all quarters, and sent to prison for life. I also could never begin to thank those who supported us, prayed and prayed for us, and walked with us along the entire way, Overton said. Hannah Overton, far right, sits next to her attorney, Cynthia Orr, center, and prosecutor, Doug Norman, April 26, 2012 in Corpus Christi, Texas. He will be remembered fondly. Both sides worked hard independently to determine the truth and achieve justice for the Overton family, the entire family. She was born April 24, 1945 to Dabney Overton Sr. and Henrietta Mallory Overton and grew up in Warsaw, VA. She was graduated from St. Margaret's School in 1963 where she was awarded the Bishop's Prize all four years. By that point, they had already been shown numerous photos of Andrews small, bruised body postmortem. Overton was released on bond in December 2014 after a Texas appellate court overturned her conviction and life sentence. Sorry to hear of Dabney's passing. My sons in high school now. While he was relieved not to have to serve prison time, the discrepancy between his wifes punishment and his own left him stupefied. I was convinced that we were in the presence of a crime.. Share Dabney's life story with friends and family. They also discovered that Hannah was pregnant again. Funeral service for Wendell Leon Overton, 81, of Cullman, will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 24, 2021 in the Cullman Funeral Home Chapel. Then, as always, Hannah had been composed, despite the strain she was under. My job requires me to be an advocate for the state. They get to see her for two hours, once a monthtwenty-four hours in a year, Larry said. On several occasions his fits had grown so extreme that she had resorted to asking a male parishioner to physically remove him from the classroom until he could regain self-control. Hannah Overton and her husband hold up one of their Christmas presents. The three oldest Overton children had gone to their aunts house to see their cousins, who were visiting from out of town, and Andrew grew increasingly agitated and restless, throwing a tantrum at three oclock in the morning. Does anybody remember that? Did you at any time strike him? Hess asked. Larry and Hannah knew that Andrew loved Spider-Man, so they made sure to have all manner of Spider-Man-themed necessities for him: sheets, pajamas, a toothbrush, a towel, a swimsuit, and even a plate embossed with the superheros image. At the clinic, she continued giving him mouth-to-mouth and chest compressions until paramedics took over, but the four-year-old lay motionless. "I'm very thankful that this compensation is finally coming through," Overton told ABC News. Gemma Mitchell, a phlebotomist, recalled overhearing Hannah tell medical staff that Andrew had stopped breathing after he was punished. No one could corroborate her story, and under cross-examination, she admitted that she had never told anyone this fact until taking the stand. Copyright 2023 GRB Studio | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions When she refused to give him a second helping, he threw a tantrum and shouted, I hate you! Finally, Hannah resorted to sprinkling some Zatarains into a sippy cup of water, hoping that the taste alone would appease him. Being in the Overtons home had afforded Werkhoven an intimate view of the family. He embodied the characteristics of a Saint and we will miss him very much. Echovita offers a solidarity program that gives back the funds generated to families. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Jonah Lee Overton Obituary It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Jonah Lee Overton (Charlotte, North Carolina), who passed away on January 21, 2023, at the age of 92, leaving to mourn family and friends. (After his arrest, he lost most of his clients. At the time, Overton had four children and was pregnant with a fifth, and had no prior trouble with the law. The following evening, Andrew was dead. Because he felt cold? He suspected that as the boys condition worsened, Hannah had fallen victim to what he calls stress blindness, a phenomenon he had witnessed many times during his 42 years of practicing medicine. He died at 9:30 p.m. Home; Memorials; Cemeteries; Famous; Contribute; Register; Sign In; Register; Sign In; Memorial updated successfully. There wasnt anything that I thought was dangerously wrong with him at that point. In October 2006 a four-year-old from Corpus Christi named Andrew Burd died mysteriously of salt poisoning. And its full of great reads, yall. He and Noreen had recently lost their own son, who had been stillborn, making his grief particularly acute. Pleading out to that was much better than having my children grow up without a mother or a father. In exchange for his plea, Larry was given five years probation and a $5,000 fine. When Michael put his fingers in his mouth, she would call his name softlythere was no anger in her voiceand he would smile and slowly slide his fingers out, Richard said. He reached Doug Norman, who was part of the prosecution team at Hannahs trial and who is now responsible for fighting her appeal. My friend Dabo - thanks for the fun at Washington and Lee but mostly for these last few years when your selflessness and wisdom were refreshing to see and experience. And You Thought Feral Hogs Were Bad. Leave them blank to get signed up. Larry Overton was also charged with murder, but after his wife's conviction, he was offered a plea deal and was given probation. He was simply "a wonderful person" I am so sorry for your loss. Write your message of sympathy today. Dabney was born on July 31, 1963 and grew up in Essex County, Va. I worked with him at Branch Cabell years ago and also lived down the street from him for a while. "We shall not see his like again". He will be missed by his many friends. Frantic, Hannah began administering CPR in the backseat. Todd Yates/Corpus Christi Caller-Times/AP. If he was denied a second or third helping, he would routinely throw a tantrum or get down on his hands and knees to scavenge the floor for crumbs. Hannah Overton announced the birth of her sixth child, Gabriela Aliana, this week in a Facebook post that described a difficult delivery. Prosecutors had accused her of givingthe boy a mix of water and spicy seasoning that contributed to the high levels of sodium in his system. Could it be that you held his nose, held his neck, and made him drink this horrible concoction? the prosecutor challenged her during a withering cross-examination. It is unclear, read the courts ruling, whether the state actually knew of Dr. Cortess opinion. The court also ruled that the wording of the jury charge was free from error. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals declined the opportunity to reconsider the decision. Larry with (from left) his children Ally, Isaac, Sebastian, Emma, and Isabel. All those that I know who knew Dabney will miss him greatly. I feel at such a loss, as do all of us who were fortunate enough to have been graced with Dabney's presence. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It was very tense. The original prosecutor in the Overton case, Sandra Eastwood, was terminated for reasons unrelated to this case years after the trial concluded. The absence of their mother and their late brother was quietly acknowledged. I see Dabney very clearly at the dog park with Moose and Betsy, gliding along with that long stride of his and his big smile for everyone. ", More:Hannah Overton, supporters chant 'Actually innocent' after capital murder dismissal, More:Nueces County DA to dismiss Overton case, declare woman innocent. Obituaries Section. New medical evidence shows that Hannah Overton did not force her 4-year-old foster son Andrew Burd to ingest large amounts of salt, causing his death in 2006 and her to serve a life sentence.