Woman Convicted In Foster Child’s Death Seeks New Trial
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Woman Convicted In Foster Child’s Death Seeks New Trial
A Texas woman sentenced to life in prison in the death of a foster child she was in the process of adopting is seeking a new trial.
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(November 7, 2008)—A Texas woman sentenced to life in prison after she was convicted of capital murder in the death of a foster child she was in the process of adopting is seeking a new trial.

Hannah Overton’s attorney argues that flaws in the indictment and jury charge led to a wrongful conviction.

Overton, a mother of five, was found guilty of capital murder in the Oct. 2006 death of Andrew Burd, 4.

She was accused of forcing the child to drink a mixture of water and Cajun spices.

On Thursday, defense attorney Cynthia Orr argued the case before a court of appeals, saying the indictment against Overton failed to charge an offense under the law and the jury then wrongfully convicted Overton by omission without any evidence she intended to kill the boy.

Prosecutor Doug Norman said Overton waited more than 1 1/2 hours to take the child to a clinic, even though she noticed he was not breathing.

Norman said her delay in seeking help for the boy made her responsible for his death.

Court officials said it could take several months before the justices issue an opinion.

Latest Comments

Posted by: blyng7 Location: kentucky on Feb 8, 2009 at 09:49 AM

waited?? that long?? after noticing no breathing?? i would need to hear the woman say that... if she did say that then yeah, she is definately guilty
[ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: margie Location: ok on Nov 9, 2008 at 07:12 PM

i can't believe she waited an hour and a half before calling paramedics,that poor baby suffered.to heck with her let her get what she deserves.if a child can't breathe,dah call 911. what did she do?watch him suffer for that long?
[ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Heart-Of-Texas Location: Waco on Nov 7, 2008 at 12:00 PM

She needs a new Trial?? 'Yes',, to see how she can do with 'a 'Lethal-Injection'?? It 'only' costs 'Us' $50,000 a year to keep her in the Pen????? Back-To-The-Future!!
[ Report Abuse ]
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