Overtons' newborn living with grandparents as case pending

Overtons' newborn living with grandparents as case pending

January 26, 2007

barbara ramirez

Caller-Times

A baby born Monday is living with her grandparents after Child Protective Services took temporary custody of her while her parents stand accused in connection with the death of a 4-year-old boy in their custody.

Hannah Overton is charged with capital murder and Larry Overton faces an injury to a child charge in connection with the death of Andrew Burd, who police say was forced to drink water laced with Cajun spices as a punishment.

The couple is waiting for their cases to be heard by a grand jury, which Nueces County District Attorney Carlos Valdez said is expected to convene Feb. 1.

According to arrest affidavits, Hannah Overton fed Andrew a mixture of water and Cajun seasonings on Oct. 2. After Andrew drank the mixture, vomited and drifted in and out of consciousness, the Overtons waited nearly three hours before taking the boy to a medical clinic, the records stated. He died the following day.

The Overtons were in the process of adopting the boy.

The Overtons' four biological children were allowed by a judge in October 2006 to temporarily live with their grandparents, where they remained Thursday, CPS spokeswoman Regina Garciasaid.

CPS officials recommended that the newborn, Emma Overton, stay with her biological siblings, Garcia said, adding that the grandparents' home had been re-evaluated to ensure that the siblings were living under appropriate conditions.

Hannah and Larry Overton, who have been released on bond, are allowed to visit the newborn but not overnight, Garcia said. All visits must be supervised, Garcia said.

A hearing to decide whether Emma will remain in the temporary custody of her grandparents will be held Feb. 7 in County-Court-At-Law Judge Carl Lewis' courtroom.

Contact Barbara Ramirez at 886-3792