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Topic: Truth in Culture Weekly Commentaries
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The Case of Hannah Overton
November 30, 2009
S. Michael Craven
 
In Corpus Christi, Texas, where my parents live and worship, the Christian community was rocked two years ago by the shocking conviction of Hannah Overton. In an outrageous series of events, this gentle thirty-year-old Christ-follower, wife, and homeschooling mother of five was sentenced to life without parole in the death of Andrew Burd, the four-year-old child that she and her husband were adopting from the foster-care system.
Andrew was born to a mother who admitted to abusing methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, crank, acid, and alcohol while pregnant. Andrew suffered speech and coordination issues. He also had five markers for diabetes, which were undiagnosed. Nonetheless, Hannah’s heart was to work through all these things and see Andrew have the best life he possibly could. Tragically Andrew died on October 3, 2006. Prosecutors charged that Mrs. Overton created a toxic brew of spices, put it in Andrew’s sippy cup and forced him to drink it, causing lethal salt poisoning (hypernatremia).
However, the Overtons’ story is quite different. The fact is, Andrew had an eating disorder that left him hungry all the time—even immediately after a meal. If he didn’t get more food, he would become agitated. Hannah’s practice was to give him a spoonful of Zatarain’s seasoning dissolved in water to satiate his voracious appetite. Following one such incident, Andrew became ill, getting cold and vomiting. However, Andrew chronically overate, sometimes from the trash can, and threw up frequently. When Andrew’s symptoms worsened, Hannah rushed him to the emergency room. The hospital staff also failed to properly diagnose Andrew’s symptoms and administered saline intravenously, unaware that he was dying of too much salt. An expert witness testified that it would have taken up to twenty-three tablespoons of Zatarain’s consumed in a period of no more than fifteen minutes to reach the sodium levels one doctor said were the “highest ever recorded.”
By every account, the local justice system not only failed but also may have actually crossed the line into willful misconduct, resulting in an unimaginable nightmare for the Overtons.
As details of the case emerged, an anti-Christian bias within the prosecutor’s office became clear. “For all the Christians out there, understand this, Hannah's simple faith was used against her as the prosecution incessantly sought to make her out to be a religious sociopath,” according to Rod Carver, the pastor of Calvary Chapel in Corpus Christi where the Overton’s are members.
One effect of this inconceivable injustice has been the unification of the body of Christ—ironically in the city of the same name. Churches and pastors have come together in unprecedented ways to rally for justice on Hannah’s behalf. They have raised money for her defense, paid for her appeals, and taken her case before numerous state officials. National media has covered the story but, despite growing pressure from the community and clear evidence exonerating Hannah (see www.FreeHannah.com), she remains in a Texas state prison with little hope of ever being with her family again. This is what makes her story so compelling.
In the shadow of such injustice and despite unimaginable suffering, Hannah remains steadfast—strengthened in her faith—even “excited” to see how the Lord is “pleased” to use her in prison for His sake. In her most recent letter, following the heartbreak of her latest appeal’s denial, she writes, “I’m amazed at all He’s done and is doing through my case. Who am I to say my desire to be home is more important than whatever God calls me to do? I know the time will come when His promises are fulfilled. So now I wait upon waiting, running the race with the endurance He gives as He pours the oil of Joy over my family and sustains us for the journey.”
Hannah’s life and story reveals the disturbing paradox of the kingdom that our Lord revealed to Paul, “For My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NKJV). Clearly, God’s strength is being manifested in Hannah’s circumstances as she is being used to deliver and demonstrate the good news to multitudes of women in her prison. Her letters are full of prayers and pleadings on behalf of the many women she has encountered and begun to disciple. Despite her own suffering and the horror of her circumstances, she remains more concerned about those for whom God has given her a burden. She has suffered countless persecutions for her faith, having had the cords to her appliances—these precious conveniences—cut by her opponents; she has received numerous threats. And yet, she “rejoices” that the Lord uses these trials to testify of Himself in this dark and desperate place.
At one point in a recent letter she quotes Spurgeon, who wrote, “So surely as the stars were fashioned by His hands and their orbits fixed by Him so surely are our trials allotted to us. He has ordained their season and their place, their intensity and the effect they shall have on us.” She then goes on to say:
I’ve been reading this book called “The Heavenly Man,” the story of a persecuted Christian in China. This book has been challenging for me, in a good way. His story reminded me that many Christians are so spoiled that in a way we forget we need God, when everything is going wrong in our earthly life; we have no hope, but God! Multitudes of church members are satisfied with giving their minimum to God not their all. Every house church pastor in China is willing to lay down his life for the gospel. What are we willing to give up? Do we hold on to our rights, desires, positions, loved ones as if they are not gifts from God in the first place? Rom. 12:1 says, “I beseech you therefore brethren, in the mercies of God that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God which is your reasonable service.” Did you notice the last phrase? This is your reasonable service. When we consider who God is and what He’s done is it not reasonable for Him to do as He pleases with us? I know I’ve been guilty of getting caught up in self-pity instead of being honored to be used by God.
The question that confronts me is this: Would I feel so “honored” to suffer in this way for Christ’s sake? Am I really committed to being a “living sacrifice” and do I so deeply comprehend the depth of God’s mercy and grace that I would consider such sacrifice anything other than “reasonable?” I pray, by God’s grace, that I do.
I encourage you to learn more about Hannah Overton and her case. Pray for her and her family. Answer this sister’s call when she writes:
Please pray consistently for me and my family. Pray for strength, healing, peace, and restoration, as this really hurts a lot and we need your prayers. Pray for the ministry God has called us to at this time that we will be found worthy of our calling (1 Timothy 1:12). And I thank Jesus Christ, Our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful putting me into ministry.
You can learn much more at www.FreeHannah.com, including suggestions on how you can help. Make no mistake, what happened to Hannah portends of a growing bias against Christians that threatens our most basic rights. It is no longer safe to assume that justice is blind when one professes faith in Jesus Christ.
© 2009 by S. Michael Craven
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Responses
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Response from : |
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November 30, 2009 11:56 AM
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Response from : Brian |
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November 30, 2009 6:38 PM
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If all the facts of this article are true, then this is a very alarming article. First, because this appears to be a travesty of justice. Second, there is a broader concern that is even more worrisome.
All the facts presented in this article don’t add up to conviction, but rather, to acquittal. Hence, the website that has been created to generate enough support to put pressure on officials to reexamine the case more closely. Yet, the state prosecutor and courts persist in their course; why?
Keep in mind that “high risk” individuals can include not only children, but the elderly, even our parents. What would happen if the Justice System began to scrutinize cases where “high risk” individuals where being cared for by other individuals or organizations to the point where they continued to find fault where none existed and they prosecuted to the full extent of the law? In other words, the Justice System would in effect be setting up people for failure and then prosecuting them for it.
After only a few examples of that and individuals and organizations would conclude that to care for these “high risk” individuals was too risky. Out of self-preservation no one would want to provide care to these people.
Christians, by Biblical mandate have traditionally been the ones to provide care to people that society has discarded. The above scenario would likely force Christian groups out of the care-giving business. These “high risk” individuals would now become wards of the state and might likely be cared for in a Terry Shiavo way. Could this be the real motive behind the prosecutions actions?
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Response from : Peter, Nigeria |
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December 1, 2009 5:00 AM
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Why would Hannah take the care of this child borne with so many medical/physiological malfunctions? Either ignorance or altrustic personality would have pushed her to take this responsibility. This is a patient fit only for a home for the handicapped. I salute her courage. Hannah, your imprisonment is the scar that will show for having the mind of Jesus on judgement day. I am happy you are not mourning but savouring the joy of the Lord that that passeth all human understanding. The righteous judge has the final say. HE will bring you out in the fullness of time and affliction shallnot arise a second time.
May ask, what happened to the medics that administered treament to Andrew? They go scot free. Andrew was not brought dead to the hospital. Justice is on the way. It will not be long
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Response from : debbie |
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December 2, 2009 11:31 AM
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for hannah i asked for all on the gpn prayer net work too pray for her and famlies
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Response from : Dalia Chavez |
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December 2, 2009 9:13 PM
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This testimony is very touching,I have also had empathy for Hannah in this case,CPS seems to go beyond what they should be allowed to do, they were in on it too.remember they are an entity, the name,their purpose is far from human at times. It does not hurt,bleed,hunger,grieve,nuture or have compassion.to God be the glory!!!
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Response from : Tee |
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December 2, 2009 10:52 PM
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Today I was tested for the second time. I can identify with Hannah. I've tried to stay positive this time, trusting the promises of God. It's so hard when you know in your heart that you have done nothing but the best for a child. A group of strangers look at 1% of a lifetime experience, then have the authority to make a decision on your actions.
My medical knowledge tells me that this child's condition could be very unpredictable. I've worked with autistic children, also those with unrecognized disorders and know first hand how challenging it can be.
My heart goes out to Hannah and her family.
The Bible says "Judge not.." We have to remember that not all are believers, so they don't have the love and insight that we do. We are called to suffer as Christ suffered. I often ask myself, "Could I bear the cross?" These trials we have don't compare to what was given for us. If I can help one person with my story, I have not suffered in vain.
He has a plan for us. I don't like the trials, but I see my growth from them. Each time I move a little closer to Christ.
To God be the glory!
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Response from : Lora |
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December 3, 2009 7:52 AM
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Who in the world advised this lady to give the child zatarains with water? I am proud to be a Christian, but, for the life of me, I cannot understand what would make someone give that to a child. Did she try taking him to a doctor or counseling for his insatiable appetite. I am a foster mom too and sadly, the appetite you speak of is common in foster children. They are so used to not eatting regularly, they overeat. If you wait it out, in my experience, once they see that they will never have to go hungry, that appetite mysteriousy disappears. I will pray for her and her family, however, I have trouble seeing this as an attack on Christians.
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Response from : Doug |
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December 3, 2009 9:17 AM
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This story is an American nightmare. I can't believe that I had not heard about it earlier. I know we can't judge perfectly what happened here from an article and 20/20 clip. But what sane person would think that there isn't a reasonable doubt of guilt here at absolute worst. And what could possibly be gained by the state of Texas for locking this poor Mom up for the rest of her life for trying to do a good deed? I believe this story challenges us to rethink everything we believe about our "justice" system.
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Response from : Anna |
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December 3, 2009 12:49 PM
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I have to agree with Lora. I too have experience working with foster children and Lora is right...for the most part this is the case with hunger. While it is horrible that this child died, she contributed to his death by not working with not only a nutritionist but possibly a social worker who could have easily confirmed this behavior as common.
This was not a war against Christians (yes I am a proud believer in Christ) but rather punishment for a woman who gave a dangerous blend to a child (in a sippy cup no less).
I will keep this family in my prayers but I pray that no other children ever get potentially lethal spices to fill them up.
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Response from : S. Michael Craven |
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December 3, 2009 1:25 PM
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Dear Anna (and Lora),
I have to say that your response is a gross generalization and falls far short of the facts. Regardless of what you think about giving a cup of warm water flavored with Zatarains to a child, this did not cause the death of this child as medical experts later determined. Nor was Hannah found guilty of causing the child's death by these means but rather "failing to act" in rendering aid. Furthermore, Hannah was advised to utilize this technique by others (like you) who were also familiar with this condition. I would encourage you to visit the website, www.freehannah.com, read all facts of the case and then weigh your position.
Michael
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Response from : Ruth |
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December 7, 2009 4:36 AM
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This story bears similarities with the experiences of Dr Thomas and Manju Sam, members of Every Nation Ministries Sydney Australia. They were imprisoned for complications their daughter suffered after being administered treatment for an extreme case of eczema. Their story was never told, they were not allowed to present witnesses in a 7 year trial, until the final two months of trial and were gagged in many other ways. Do you have any advice on what we can do to petition on their behalf. They have a son whom the social services are trying to deny them access to. Any ideas on what we can do to support them would be much appreciated. Thankyou.
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Response from : Mary Lou |
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December 8, 2009 12:34 PM
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Hannah has the patience of Job, and the motivation of Moses. I feel she is paying the highest price to be separated from her own children, but helping those in prison to recoup some dignity in their lives by preaching HIS word is admirable. God bless her and her family. Wouldn't you know that this had to happen in the worst judicial system in the country..TEXAS...they have proven time and again how corrupt they are. I will pray for Hannah's release.God Bless the meek for they will inherit the earth.
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Response from : Kathy Ahlheim |
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December 8, 2009 5:13 PM
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My heart goes out to Hannah in her attempt to help a special needs child. However her choice of food for this child shows a lack of knowledge of nutrition. The seasoning memtion is made to be used in a small amounts for flavoring not as a beverage as it contains alot of salt. The child needed to be fully evualated to determine his health needs and best way to meet them. I have not read the reat of the story but i suspect this person may not have the means to do this. It is time that the Christiam Community reached out to bring much needed knowledge to thecare of thosse in need. I think Hannah actions were regreatable not criminal.
http://Fidnet communication
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Response from : |
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December 8, 2009 9:31 PM
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My paryer is that God keep you strong in faith,i love your attitude to me you are a over commer
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Response from : Ruth Lucht |
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December 9, 2009 7:56 PM
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After having read about this case, I am astounded that Hannah Overton was convicted of a crime. Reading the following: "Two doctors, both experts in the case -- one for the prosecution, the other for the defense -- believe Hannah Overton was wrongly convicted, and they spoke on camera for the first time to "20/20."
Dr. Edgar Cortes, the same pediatrician who treated Andrew at the emergency room and later consulted for the prosecution, said he always believed Andrew's death was accidental. Cortes is not being paid by the Overton defense team.
"I was stunned when I heard that [Hannah] had been given capital murder. I was just at a loss for words," Cortes said.
Cortes disagrees with the prosecution's portrayal of Andrew as perfectly healthy -- he said he saw speech and developmental problems back in 2005.
"The only physician that treated Andy while he was alive, and who was aware of the other neurological problems that he had, was me," Cortes said. "And I think that testimony might have given the jury an understanding that perhaps he was not a totally normal child." how could this child's death be laid at Hannah's door? I would be very surprised if a gross injustice has not taken place here. Based on this women's convictions and values, lack of motivation to commit such a crime, evidence of an unusual medical condition substantiated by a qualified doctor, I cannot understand the conclusion that has been reached. To the authorities concerned, I add my appeal to those that have gone before, for this case to be reconsidered/evaluated and for true justice to be carried out.
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Response from : Susan Jackson |
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April 19, 2010 11:24 PM
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Thank you for writing this about Hannah Overton
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Response from : Dr. Fred Glick |
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April 22, 2010 10:59 PM
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To Whom It may concern:
I am not a Christian but I am a human being and I believe that every day that the prosecutor in this case is allowed to retain her license to practice law is a disgusting shame and a travesty and the State of Texas should be ashamed that she is allowed to continue destroy peoples lives with her ignorence and obvious bias and lack of an even rudimentary understanding of our legal system.
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