Overton spent seven years in prison for the murder of a young foster child that she says she didn't commit. All rights reserved. It was a catastrophic decision. As long as I can make a nonfrivolous argument, Ill make it, but nothing in my job prevents me from praying for a more just outcome., There have been a few tear-filled nights because one of the kids misses Andrew, Larry said. Like Hannah, Haller homeschooled her children, and the two mothers split teaching duties; the Haller children went to the Overton home for instruction for part of the day and vice versa. The Registry also maintains a more limited database of known exonerations prior to 1989. At a subsequent family court hearing, in which Hannahs civil attorney argued that she should be given access to the infant so that she could continue nursing her, Judge Lewis returned Emma to her parents, but with conditions. Andrews former foster mother, Sharon Hamil, who was devastated by the boys death, testified that Andrew had not exhibited significant developmental or behavioral problems, aside from his speech delay, during the time that he lived with hera characterization that was rebutted by numerous members of Calvary Chapel later in the trial but that cast Hannahs credibility into doubt. The Huntsville Times. Then, as always, Hannah had been composed, despite the strain she was under. Dabney was born on July 31, 1963 and grew up in Essex County, Va. Push him? Throughout the interrogation, which spanned more than two hours, Hannah insisted that she had never harmed Andrew. Hess remained skeptical of Hannahs account. Two years later, the Overtons learned that their adoption application had been approved and that Andrew would be joining their family. Hannah, who was left with whiplash and a severely swollen jaw, spent the next several weeks immobilized by a neck brace, mostly confined to bed. He hoarded food and sometimes ate from the trash, she warned, and he threw intense temper tantrums, which could be tamed only by holding and rocking him. Afterward, she instinctively looked back to check on the children, not realizing that her face was covered in blood. The prosecutions most persuasive testimony came from Rotta, the pediatric critical care specialist who had originally expressed concern that Andrew had been mistreated. He was such a kind person and always had a smile on his face. Nettie Overton Obituary (2003) - Huntsville, AL - The Huntsville Times Authorize the publication of the original written obituary with the accompanying photo. (Andrew was told that he could not have any food at McDonalds, since he had already eaten.) The Carvers, like most members of Calvary Chapel, never doubted her innocence. Hannah - Please accept our sincere condolences on your loss. Bowls England - OBITUARY - HANNAH OVERTON | Facebook . After examining Andrews medical records, he had determined that the boys death was likely accidental. Hannah Ester Hall Overton (1660-1732) - Find a Grave Memorial Very sad to hear this news. 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. The Overtons rushed him to a nearby urgent care clinic after his breathing became labored and he stopped responding to their questions, but by the time they arrived, he had fallen unconscious. In anticipation of his arrival, Larry built a three-tiered bunk bed for Andrew and the two Overton boys: Isaac, who was seven years old, and Sebastian, who was two. Or had the tragedy claimed its second victim? Sue and I were certainly saddened to learn of the death of Dabney. I remember him as a fun loving gentle person that loved life. Hannah Mason "Tess" Overton Obituary (2019) | Gunnedah, NSW - Echovita She was always smiling, always laughing. As a teenager, she was captivated by missionaries stories of serving in far-flung places, and she began going on group mission trips herself, once venturing as far as Romania. Once a month, Larry loads the kids into his van and they make the trip together, although on those visits, no contact is allowed. Hannah Overton, a south Texas mother of five whose wrongful conviction for the 2006 death of her foster son was overturned last year, is expected to receive over $500,000 in compensation from the state for the years she spent in jail. At the time, Overton had four children and was pregnant with a fifth, and had no prior trouble with the law. Yet according to the unusual wording of the jury charge, jurors had to believe just one of two scenarios to find Hannah guilty: that she deliberately made Andrew ingest a lethal amount of salt or that she purposely neglected to get timely medical attention, knowing that this would kill him. To the Overton's; Please accept my deepest sympathy and condolences for your loss. Ive seen doctors and nurses freeze up when a patient comes in convulsing or in extremis, he said. Veteran defense attorney John Gilmore, whom the Overtons had retained using funds raised by their church, was stunned to learn of the arrests from reporters, who called asking for comment. The physician only said that the scratch marks he had noticed on the boys neck had been caused, he believed, by another person. They chattered about an upcoming birthday party and discussed the merits of their favorite colors, finishing each others sentences between slurps of soup. -- Sarah Albiston, I enjoyed working with Dabney from time to time. ), As the Overtons wait on the appellate courts, Larry goes about the task of raising their five children, while also trying to rebuild his business. I came in the morning, and I left in the evening. Our thoughts, hugs and prayers are with you. Im supposed to be done crying, she said apologetically at one point, brushing away tears. We spoke last Tuesday about a biking trip we had plan in the spring to Cherokee,N.C. When a four-year-old from Texas died mysteriously of salt poisoning, his foster mother, Hannah Overton, was charged with capital murder and sent to prison for life. Hannah and the girls, who complained of feeling achy, were taken to the hospital in an ambulance while Larrys parents picked up the rest of the family and, after dropping Larry off at the hospital, took the boys to a nearby Whataburger. To never have been producedit was very strange.. Its daily. 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.. Preceded in death by his mother Hannah Spencer Haile Overton and infant brother Charles. I am sad that I won't see my friend Dabney again in this life here on Earth. Larry attempted to restore order upon his return, putting Andrews soiled sheets in the garbage and hosing off the boy and his foam mattress in the backyard. Dinner was potato soupIts good and filling, and its cheap, Larry told mewhich the kids dived into after saying grace. (Larrys parents, who were friends of the Saenzes, were parishioners.) He was predeceased by : his parents, Theodore Roosevelt 'Jack' and Annie Overton of Washington; and his wife Claudia Cotten. Frantic, Hannah began administering CPR in the backseat. According to Hannah, Andrew once again asked for an early lunch, and once again, when she told him that he would have to wait, he defecated and smeared feces across the floor. I wouldnt give up that time we had with him and that he had with us.. Larry turned them down. Hess and a group of CPS workers were standing in the back with dark glasses on, their arms crossed, scowls on their faces, Carver said. Overton spent seven years in prison before the Texas Court of Appeals overturned her capital murder charges on September 17, 2014. Cynthia Hujar-Orr, Gerry Goldstein and John Raley were apart of Overtons appellate team, http://pr-prod.com/project/until-proven-innocent/, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/05/10/da-declare-texas-woman-innocent-salt-poisoning-case/315400001/, https://abcnews.go.com/US/texas-mother-freed-spending-years-prison-foster-sons/story?id=26186920. Haller, who took notes documenting her conversation with Hess and later testified about it under oath, recalled the detectives certainty that Hannah had tried to kill Andrew. Overtons conviction and sentence were upheld on appeal. He was born on April 2, 1940 in Little Rock, Arkansas to the late Lewis Franklin and Dwight Katherine Overton. So she had to find a way out. (Hess did not respond to interview requests for this article but has previously denied Hallers version of events.) 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. He delivered sermons to a small but devoted following that met every Sunday, and during services he also played guitar. To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our. Brother Paul Campbell will officiate the service. Dabney is survived by his sister, Hannah Overton; and nieces Emma and Lizzie Schmidt, all of Tappahannock; a half-sister Mallory Overton McKendry of Jacksonville, Fla.; and his father, Dabney Overton Jr. of Harrisonburg. Short on time as the trial drew to a close, the defense had asked Moritzwho needed to return to Pittsburghto sit for a videotaped deposition; when the deposition ran long and could not be completed, the defense was unable to enter it as testimony. Hannah, we met a couple of times, and Dabney and I visited your grandparents several times in Tappahannock. Jonah Lee "Pete" Overton Obituary (1930 - 2023) | Charlotte, North Carolina I remind them that the Lord loves him more than anyone could and we will see him again someday.. One attorney was even moved to tears explaining how sorry he was for the mistakes he had made in Overton's case. He inspired me to take up running, and to go from owning 1 dog to 2! Myron F. Overton June 29, 1935 - June 6, 2013 Myron was born in Bakersfield, California to his loving parents Earl C. and Hazel J. Overton. (More shocking details on abuse suffered by four-year-old before death, began one breathless report.) The very dilute gastric sodium contents suggest . While Larry tried to scrub down the bedroom, Andrew pulled his sheets out of the trash several times, despite repeated warnings not to do so. Hannah Overton Archives - Texas Monthly . As Andrews condition deteriorated, CPS barred the Overtons from visiting their son. We had known each other for ten years, and I dont think Id ever seen her mad, Haller told me. Katy Vine has been a staff writer since 2002. Its not even a consideration, she said. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Victory Junction, 4500 Adam's Way, Randleman, NC 27317, https://victoryjunction.org or the Charlotte Humane Society, 1348 Parker Dr., Charlotte, NC 28208, https://humanesocietyofcharlotte.org, in Pete's name. When a four-year-old from Texas died mysteriously of salt poisoning, his foster mother, Hannah Overton, was charged with capital murder and sent to prison for life. Hannah understood little of what had taken place except that she, her mother, and her brother had to leave Corpus Christi behind. Days after she gave birth to her daughter Emma, CPS took the newborn into protective custody. There were the charred remnants of his Spider-Man sheets in the fire pit. According to juror number three, a high school English teacher named Margaret Warfield, that was not the case. See you then, my friend. Left: Andrew and Isabel playing together. When Andrew complained of being hungry that afternoon, Hannah gave him more of the leftover soup. Top: A family birthday celebration in the summer of 2006. Other witnesses testified that they had detected signs of abuse. It was very tense. Or had the tragedy claimed its second victim? Dabney OVERTON Obituary (2009) - Legacy The information on this website does NOT constitute legal advice and you may not rely on it as such. He recalled how Michael used to chew on his fingers, a chronic problem that left his skin bloody and raw. Knew him well growing up. State district judge Jose Longoria, who would oversee Hannahs trial the following fall, would later rule Fernandezs finding of blunt force trauma to be inadmissible because it was not based on sufficient data or reliable methodology. Michael, who had been born prematurely, was severely impaired; he had cerebral palsy, was blind, and could not walk or talk. Dabney is a graduate of Aylett Country Day School, St. Christopher's School, and Washington and Lee University. My prayers to the family. I didnt realize the seriousness of the situation. Eastwood questioned how Andrew had come to have scratches on his neck. Shana Druckerman contributed to this report, 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. I dont see what caused the high salt content. The death of a childparticularly a sudden, unexplained death in which abuse is suspectedevokes strong emotions, even among seasoned investigators, doctors, forensics experts, and prosecutors. Hannah Spencer Haile (1937 - 1981) - Genealogy - Geni Family Tree My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family and many friends. Just after five oclock, the Overtons put him in their car and rushed him to a nearby urgent care clinic. Here are the tributes to Jonah Lee Overton. 1 x 120' / Produced for Discovery Networks. . Nueces County jurors believed she failed to seek medical care for her foster son in a timely manner. AP. Sending a prayer to all his family & friends. . It did not matter that Haller, who had seen Andrew in the days leading up to his hospitalization and who was frequently in the Overton home, had never observed any suspicious bruises or indications of abuse. 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. Overton has accused Eastwood of acting unethically in her case, something Eastwood has denied repeatedly. At four, he spent most of his time playing with Sebastian, who was two, rather than Ally, who was his own age, and his motor skills lagged far behind those of his peers. Skurka ended up dropping the new case against her in 2015 but Overton remained in legal limbo until Gonzalez officially declared her innocence last year, thus closing a significant chapter on this decade-long case. The best memory is of riding camp the following summer when Dabney and a friend opted for motorcycle helmets rather than riding hard hats. After her shift ends in the late morning, there are letters to write home, in which she tries to stay present in her childrens lives by choreographing what she can from a distance. But others at Calvary Chapel expressed their concern. 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. He was a nice guy. Myron attended Longfellow elementary, Panama Union and Kern We loved him and will miss him. Does anybody remember that? I wish his family well. Forrest Wilder writes about politics and the outdoors. Disclaimer: We created this website to give you general information about a variety of criminal offenses and possible defenses that might apply to those charges. Rather than let him remain in his wheelchair most of the day, as previous caretakers had done, Hannah kept him moving; she took him into his familys pool to stretch and used massage to loosen his contracted muscles. Cynthia Hujar-Orr, Gerry Goldstein and John Raley were apart of Overtons appellate team that helped overturn the conviction. At Andrews request, he made a plate of sausage and more than a dozen eggs, all of which the boy eagerly devoured. The marks could be consistent with many things, including a fight, an altercation, someone trying to hold this childs neck forcefully, he said. Larry left for work the following morning, and Hannah, who was still in considerable pain from the car accident, gave Andrew and Sebastian breakfast before bringing them into bed with her to watch cartoons. The congregation quickly dissolved. In the context of a criminal investigation, the calm that she had always exhibited in the midst of crisis was suddenly a liabilityan indication, perhaps, that she was cold-blooded enough to have killed a child. We were in it for the long haul.. Prepare a personalized obituary for someone you loved.. December 22, 1930 - He was a Southern Gentleman and true Virginian who touched the hearts of many. Today I will thank God that I knew Dabney, if only a little. I pray that you will bring Mom home soon.. They were not allowed to be at Andrews bedside on the evening of October 3, when he experienced massive organ failure. As Larry stood in the kitchen and peeled potatoes, the kidsexcited to have a visitorshowed me around their house, pointing out their favorite hiding places and the plaster cast of their footprints in the hallway, which includes the letter A for Andrew. His other passion was his beloved dogs. I was one of those who was lucky enough to share a friendship with this kind, strong and loving man. Hannah Overton spent seven years in prison until her conviction was overturned. The next morning, Corpus Christi police detective Michael Hess paid a visit to Kathi Haller, the Overtons next-door neighbor, who knew the family well. At 13, he served as a page for the General Assembly of Virginia. Its about trusting God and seeing how he is a god of redemption and restoration, she said. I am over the moon that Hannah has been granted compensation by Texas for her wrongful imprisonment, Orr told ABC News. He called Hannah and Larry Mommy and Daddy, and he followed Larry everywhere he went, often stepping on Larrys heels as he trailed after him. The boy was diagnosed with a toxic salt overdose and died the following day. But had jurors fully understood the decision they had been asked to make? "We are over the top in love with our new blessing!