Scared Monkeys Discussion Forum

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20120222/NEWS/120229956/1016/NEWS?p=2&tc=pg

Grandmother, stepmother charged in 9-year-old's death

A 9-year-old third-grader died after her grandmother apparently made her run for three hours as punishment for lying about eating candy bars that she had gotten on the school bus, Sheriff Todd Entrekin said Wednesday during a news conference.
 ::snipping2::
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Charges may be upgraded to capital murder

At least the bail ($500,000) may be sufficient to keep these monsters in jail.  God bless this child.

(http://www.gadsdentimes.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=GT&Date=20120222&Category=NEWS&ArtNo=120229956&Ref=AR&Profile=1016&MaxW=198&border=0)
Savannah Hardin, 9, died Monday at Children's Hospital in Birmingham. Savannah was a third-grade student at Carlisle Elementary School.



http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20120222/NEWS/120229956/1016/NEWS?p=1&tc=pg  (http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20120222/NEWS/120229956/1016/NEWS?p=1&tc=pg)

just read this..what the hell??
for eating a piece of candy? what has our world come to??  what ever happened to time outs when a child is naughty? what kid wouldn't eat a piece of candy if they saw it laying around? She had to die because of it??? by the looks of mom and granny, they could have given up a few pieces of candy! I hope they choke everytime they eat a piece of candy from now on!
 ::MonkeyMad:: ::MonkeyMad::

I hope it is upgraded to capital murder.  Maybe it can because of the death of a child.  Both of them should get it.

I agree Anna...I am so mad right now ::MonkeyMad::

Anna and Cookie, I agree.  What kind of punishment is this?  My father was very strict, and I do mean very.  However, he never punished is such a demented way.
 ::crymonkey2::

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/stepmom-girl-died-gave-birth-arrest-day-15775341
Stepmom Gives Birth After Arrest in Girl's Death
By ANDY BROWNFIELD Associated Press
February 23, 2012

An Alabama woman has given birth the same day she was arrested for the death of her 9-year-old stepdaughter, who authorities say died after being forced to run for three hours as punishment for eating a candy bar.

Etowah County District Attorney Jimmie Harp says Jessica Mae Hardin is under guard at a hospital after giving birth Wednesday.
 ::snipping2::
Harp says Savannah Hardin had a bladder condition and was not supposed to have the caffeine in chocolate. He says there is no evidence the condition contributed to her death.

Oh joy, another child to be subjected to her form of punishment.
Prayers for this little baby!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/police-stepmother-grandmother-charged-in-death-of-9-year-old-ala-girl-forced-to-run-3-hours/2012/02/22/gIQAnOQCUR_story.html?tid=pm_pop
Stepmom accused of murder in Ala. 9-year-old’s running death gave birth after arrest
Published February 22, 2012, Updated February 23, 2012

 ::snipping2::
Jessica Mae Hardin, 27, was transferred from the Etowah County Detention Center to a hospital on Wednesday, sheriff’s office spokeswoman Natalie Barton said. Etowah County District Attorney Jimmie Harp confirmed that Hardin had given birth hours after she was arrested. He said he didn’t know whether the newborn was a boy or a girl.
 ::snipping2::
Alabama law requires people who are arrested to be informed of the charges against them in an initial appearance within 72 hours. Barton said Jessica Hardin’s hearing will likely be held once she is released from the hospital.

The Birmingham News reports that Hardin has been appointed Morgan Cunningham as a public defender. Cunningham did not immediately return calls from The Associated Press.

A defense attorney for Garrard said the woman has been falsely accused.

“It is my belief Ms. Garrard will be vindicated ... and found not guilty of the allegation against her,” attorney Dani Bone wrote in a statement.
 ::snipping2::
The Alabama Department of Human Resources has been called in to create a safety plan for Jessica’s newborn, as well as the couple’s 3-year-old son, Harp said.

Department spokesman Barry Spear says the older child has been placed with a relative, and the plan is for the infant to be given to the same relative when it leaves the hospital. Speak said he could not reveal with whom the children were placed.

 ::snipping2::
The girl was taken to Children’s Hospital in Birmingham where she was kept on life support while Robert Hardin, a contractor with the U.S. State Department, took eight flights to return to Alabama.
 ::snipping2::
Court records show that Robert Hardin filed for divorce in August of 2010. In his complaint, he asserted his wife was bi-polar and of had alcoholic tendencies. He accused her of previously having run off with the couple’s own child. In her response, Jessica denied all of Robert’s allegations.

 ::snipping2::

Video at Link

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20120223/WORK/120229921/1084/NEWS?Title=Records-that-could-pertain-to-Hardin-case-sealed
Records that could pertain to Hardin case sealed
By Lisa Rogers
Times Staff Writer
February 23, 2012

Existing court records that could pertain to a 9-year-old girl who died Monday after she allegedly was punished for eating candy bars and lying about it have been sealed until they are reviewed by a judge.

Presiding Circuit Judge Allen Millican on Thursday ordered all domestic relations court documents to be sealed until 5 p.m. Monday while he reviews them.

The documents could have information about Savannah Hardin or family members.

Information in some of the documents already was in circulation before the records were sealed.
 ::snipping2::
Savannah’s father and stepmother had custody of her and she was living with her stepmother.

Dani Bone, attorney for Garrard, made the request to Millican that the documents be sealed because of publicity in the case.

District Attorney Jimmie Harp said he also wanted the records sealed to protect the rights of the women who are charged with murder.
 ::snipping2::
 
“We wanted to do it as a precaution,” he said. “This case doesn’t need to be tried in the media.”

Morgan Cunningham and Vince Pentecost late Thursday were appointed to represent Hardin.

Cunningham said he could not comment about the order for the documents to be sealed because he and Pentecost had just been appointed to the case.

 ::snipping2::

Court documents are expected to be released in Lakeland, Fla., where Savannah once lived with her mother, Heather Hardin.

The Department of Children and Families had several investigations in which Heather Hardin was the target, the Ledger in Lakeland reported.

According to DCF spokeswoman Carrie Hoeppner, DCF investigated the child’s living arrangements several times between 2007 and 2009.

Officials with DCF said they anticipate releasing a cache of records regarding those investigations soon, The Ledger reported.
 ::snipping2::
The family alleges the child had a bladder condition and wasn’t supposed to have chocolate because of it. However, Entrekin said the pathologist indicated there was no evidence the child had a bladder condition.

More...
(4 pg article)

Just read my local paper and found that sweet Savannah's mother lives here in Lakeland. 

The 9-year-old third grader who Alabama officials said was run to death by her grandmother in Attalla, Ala., on Monday has ties to Lakeland and a history of familial investigations from across the state, an official with the Department of Children and Families said.

Heather Hardin, of 1325 Mann Road, the mother of Savannah Hardin, could not be reached Thursday at her modest, single-story home just north of the city. Attempts to contact her by phone were unsuccessful also.

http://www.theledger.com/article/20120223/NEWS/120229722?tc=cr

BBM
This sounds like it will get worse, if it ever gets better.
 ::MonkeyMad::

I just heard about this - it's unbelievable!

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20120224/NEWS/120229907/1016/NEWS?Title=TV-discussion-on-child-s-death-prompts-calls-to-sheriff-s-office
TV discussion on child's death prompts calls to sheriff's office

 ::snipping2::
But one element of the show had an impact the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office personnel did not expect. The office’s phone number was displayed on the screen during the show, which aired on CNN Headline News.

From the time the show aired at 7 p.m. through about 4 a.m. Friday, the sheriff’s office dispatcher fielded about 200 phone calls.

“Most thought they were calling into the show,” said Natalie Barton, public information officer at the sheriff’s office.

Why would anyone do this? I can not imagine! The other thing I can not figure out is the dad filed for divorce claiming the step monster was bi-polar and alcoholic - so what does he do - not only does he leave his kids with her, he makes another one with her (assuming it is his) - why would any person with any common sense do that? Wonder how the three year old was treated?

ITA  Why did he fight for to take custody away from her mom if he was just going to leave her with someone else.  I think one thing that definitely needs to be changed in our laws is that child custody should be non transferable. A parent who wins custody should not be allowed to pawn give that responsibility to some one else for long indefinite periods of time.  For heaven's sake, this Savannah's father was in another country!  KWIM 

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20120224/WIRE/120229892/1016/NEWS?Title=Hardin-s-life-full-of-turmoil-before-death-records-show

Hardin's life full of turmoil before death, records show

Oh 4 Donks, this is so sad.  School must have been such a retreat for this precious child.  Where she is now she is whole and happy and knows for a fact she is a wanted child.

http://www.myfoxal.com/story/17029263/savanjudge-orders-savannah-hardin-files-unsealed

Judge orders Savannah Hardin files unsealed

Savannah Hardin court documents Part 1 (46 pages)

Savannah Hardin court documents Part 2 (172 pages)

Savannah Hardin court documents Part 3 (115 pages)

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20120228/WIRE/120229798/1016/NEWS?Title=Grandmother-stepmother-barred-from-girl-s-memorial-service

Grandmother, stepmother barred from girl's memorial service

 ::snipping2::

Joyce Hardin Garrard, 46, the grandmother, and Jessica Mae Hardin, 27, the stepmother, requested permission to attend a service on Sunday for Savannah Hardin, but were turned down.

good..if it was not for them, there would not be a memorial service for this little girl!

can u imagine how bad the bus driver and the person who gave Savannah the candy must feel? the bus driver told the granny that Savannah ate the candy bar...who would have dreamed that the end result of a candy bar would be death to Savannah..?

The evil grandmother and stepmother turned a simple act of kindness toward a child by the bus driver into another way of being mean and punishing to Savannah, but this time it went way to far.  ::MonkeyNoNo::  If it wasn't this, it would have been something else imo.
Savannah didn't have a chance living in that household.  They can't hurt her anymore.  ::MonkeyAngel::

I do feel very badly for the bus driver.

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20120301/WIRE/120309997/1016/NEWS?Title=Prosecutors-to-upgrade-charge-in-girl-s-death-

GADSDEN, Ala. (AP) — Alabama prosecutors say they are filing capital murder charges -- which carries the possibility of the death penalty -- against a grandmother accused of running her 9-year-old granddaughter to death as punishment.

 ::snipping2::

Defense lawyers say both women are innocent and predict they'll be acquitted. They say the father of the dead girl is supporting the women.

oh brother..then he is as bad as they are.. ::MonkeyMad::  no one there for Savannah? except us?

GADSDEN, Alabama — A woman accused of running her 9-year-old granddaughter to death as punishment for eating chocolate was captured on a school bus videotape saying she planned to run the child "'til she can't run no more," a prosecutor told a judge Thursday in announcing capital murder charges.

"Joyce Hardin Garrard, who faces a potential death penalty if convicted, made the threat as she yanked Savannah Hardin off a school bus that was equipped with a surveillance system, said Marcus Reid, an assistant district attorney in Etowah County.

Angered by a supposed lie the child told, Garrard told the driver: '"I gonna run her 'til she can't run no more,'" Reid said.

"That's exactly what she did," said the prosecutor, calling Garrard a "drill sergeant from hell."
http://blog.al.com/wire/2012/03/prosecutor_video_shows_grandmo.html

how awful for Savannah..Dad  still standing in support of step mom and grandma from hell?

http://www2.alabamas13.com/news/2012/mar/04/etowah-co-grand-jury-could-examine-savannah-hardin-ar-3346829/
Etowah Co. grand jury could examine Savannah Hardin death for spring session
By Ashley Roberts
March 4, 2012

ETOWAH CO. - The case of a grandmother and stepmother accused of running a little girl to death could go before a grand jury this week.

46-year-old Joyce Garrard has been charged with capital murder and 27-year-old Jessica Hardin faces felony murder for the death of nine-year old Savannah Hardin.
 ::snipping2::
In court, prosecutors said they're still investigating if there's enough evidence to hand down a capital murder charge against Hardin.

The spokeswoman for the Etowah County District Attorney's Office says the grand jury will meet for its spring session this week,and could take up the Savannah Hardin death investigation.

Cookie, so it appears from the article.  How sad!

I totally agree with you both.   ::MonkeyMad::  How could he not be repulsed at the sight of his child's murderer's  except that he was nothing more than a sperm donor who didn't want to pay child support?   So many things I will never understand!   ::MonkeyNoNo::

both should have been all (sorry)

4getUnot...... ::rhino:: ::rhino:: ::rhino::

http://www2.alabamas13.com/news/2012/mar/06/decision-delayed-new-charges-9-year-old-girls-deat-ar-3361939/
Decision delayed on new charges in 9 year old girl's death
March 6, 2012

GADSDEN, Ala. --

(AP) - Authorities are delaying a decision on whether to file new charges against a stepmother accused in the death of a 9-year-old girl who prosecutors say was run to death.
   
Etowah County prosecutors said Tuesday no decision will be made this week on whether to pursue capital charges against 27-year-old Jessica Mae Hardin of Attalla.
   
Hardin already is charged with murder in the death last month of 9-year-old Savannah Hardin. The additional charge could carry a possible death penalty if she's convicted.
 ::snipping2::

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/grand-jury-indicts-women-girls-running-death-15890729
Grand Jury Indicts Women in Girl's Running Death
March 10, 2012

An Alabama grand jury has indicted the grandmother and stepmother of a 9-year-old girl who died after being forced to run three hours as a punishment.

The Etowah County District Attorney's Office said Friday evening that 46-year-old Joyce Garrard was indicted for capital murder and 27-year-old Jessica Hardin was indicted for felony murder in the February death of Hardin's stepdaughter, Savannah.

A spokeswoman said no court date for the women from Attalla, Ala., has been announced.
More...

http://www.cbs42.com/content/localnews/story/Hardin-Garrard-Indicted/zVd6IGJaYECdnNcFwfo9uw.cspx
Hardin & Garrard Indicted
March 9, 2012

Etowah County, Ala. (WIAT) The step-mother and grandmother of an Etowah County girl run to death are now formally indicted.

Jessica Hardin is indicted on felony murder and Joyce Garrard with capital murder.

Both women are being held at the Etowah County Jail.

Jessica Hardin is being held on a half million dollars bond.

Garrard is being held without bond.
 ::snipping2::
A press conference will be held on Monday at 10AM.
 ::snipping2::

well, let's see if dear old dad posts bond for the "mother"
 ::justice2NJ::

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20120312/NEWS/120319960/1016/NEWS?Title=Prosecutors-to-seek-death-penalty-against-grandmother-in-child-8217-s-death-

Prosecutors to seek death penalty against grandmother in child’s death

 ::snipping2::

Garrard apparently made the girl run outside their home near Mountainboro after she arrived home from school. During a bond reduction hearing March 1 for the women, Deputy District Attorney Marcus Reid said the girl also was forced to carry firewood weighing up to 15 pounds while running.

That is so mean and evil on top of making Savannah run and run until she died!  How absolutely horrid! She was just a small, thin girl.   ::MonkeyNoNo::  It makes me wonder about the fear Savannah must have had and what other punishment those two would mete out to her if she didn't keep running for those hours all the while carrying a load of firewood?!  I'm afraid we're going to find out more about the kind of hell Savannah had to endure during her short life at the hands of her family.

I agree Muffy...I bet that she had a horrible life behind closed doors..how can a gramma be so mean? And a wicked step mom too!

Hmbpf!  I think this is too good of a place for the two evil ones to be housed. JMHO

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20120312/NEWS/120319953?Title=Etowah-County-jail-s-medical-unit-like-a-clinic
Etowah County jail's medical unit like a clinic
By Kendra Carter
Times Staff Writer
March 12, 2012

The medical unit inside the Etowah County Detention Center is where sick inmates go for treatment or where inmates who are dangerous to themselves or others are housed.

Etowah County Sheriff Todd Entrekin on Monday at a news conference said Joyce Garrard and Jessica Hardin, both in jail for their alleged roles in 9-year-old Savannah Hardin’s death, are being held in the medical unit, which has four patient rooms, a suicide prevention cell and a waiting room.

Entrekin said Garrard, who is being held with no bond, is in the unit on suicide watch. Hardin, who is being held on a $500,000 cash bond, is in the unit after having given birth days after Savannah’s death.
 ::snipping2::


This article explains why the two are in the medical unit.  (But I still think it's too nice for them)
http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2012/03/prosecutors_seek_death_penalty.html
Savannah Hardin's grandmother is innocent, defense attorney says
March 13, 2012

 ::snipping2::
Sheriff Todd Entrekin told the newspaper that Garrard, who is being held with no bond, is in the Etowah County Detention Center medical unit on suicide watch. Hardin, who is being held on a $500,000 cash bond, is in the unit after having given birth days after Savannah's death.
 ::snipping2::

http://edition.cnn.com/2012/03/13/justice/alabama-girl-death/
Prosecutors seek death penalty in killing of Alabama third-grader
From Rick Martin, CNN
March 13, 2012

 ::snipping2::
"It is alleged that the grandmother was out in the yard with Savannah, and she was encouraging her with the words, 'Move it! Move it! Move it!' -- much like a drill sergeant," Natalie Barton, spokeswoman for the Etowah County Sheriff's Office, told CNN last month.

At one point, prosecutors say Savannah was crawling, crying and begging to stop, CNN affiliate WBRC reported.

Barton told HLN's Nancy Grace, "That young body simply could not take it. That is child abuse. (Garrard) overstepped (the) line."

At about 6:45 p.m. that day, Hardin called 911 and said Savannah had suffered a seizure and was unresponsive, Etowah County Sheriff Todd Entrekin said in a news release.

Savannah died last month at Children's Hospital in Birmingham. A state pathologist ruled her death a homicide. "Preliminary reports show Savannah was extremely dehydrated and had a very low sodium level," the release said.

Several people had seen the third-grade student at Carlisle Elementary School outside in her yard running, but at first they didn't suspect anything, said Barton.
 ::snipping2::

Did anyone watch NG tonight? The step mom and granny had days before they were arrested to kill themselves if they had really wanted to.  They just want to be where they r cause it has nicer accommodations than a jail cell..Seems step mom and granny were more worried about their cigarette breaks than staying in the room with Savannah while she passed away.  Mind you, step mom had a baby a mere few days after Savannah died but was still smoking...trash....bio mom's ex boyfriend was also on NG show...

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/prosecutors-death-penalty-grandmother-accused-running-child-death-article-1.1038663?localLinksEnabled=false
Prosecutors want death penalty for grandmother accused of running child to death
Savannah Hardin was forced to run after eating a candy bar on the school bus
By Nina Mandell
March 14, 2012

A grandma in Alabama could face the death penalty for killing her 9-year-old granddaughter.

Prosecutors will seek the severe sentence for Joyce Garrard in Savannah Hardin’s tragic death, an official said, according to CNN.

The young girl died last month after authorities said she was forced to run for hours as punishment for eating a chocolate bar on a school bus and then lying about it. Authorities said she was forced to carry firewood that weighed up to 15 pounds during the deadly run, the Gasden Times reported.

In Alabama, the murder of a child younger than 14 is automatically a capital crime, the newspaper said.

A video reportedly shows Garrard telling the school bus driver that she planned to run Savannah until "she can't run no more," according to the Times.

An autopsy showed that she died from dehydration and low sodium levels.
 ::snipping2::

http://nancygrace.blogs.cnn.com/2012/03/13/cops-grandma-runs-girl-9-to-death-now-faces-death/?hpt=ng_mid
Cops: Grandma runs girl, 9, to death: now faces death
March 13, 2012

Prosecutors have announced they will seek the death penalty for a grandmother who Nancy Grace calls a “she-bitch from hell” for allegedly forcing 9-year-old Savannah Hardin to run herself to death. Savannah’s stepmother is also charged with murder in the case.

Joyce Garrard was indicted on a capital murder charge last week, according to the Etowah County District Attorney’s Office, and Jessica Hardin was indicted for felony murder in the girl’s Feb. 20 death.
 ::snipping2::
Video at Link

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/defense-family-jailed-ala-grandmother-15922864
Defense: Family Behind Jailed Ala. Grandmother
By JAY REEVES Associated Press
March 15, 2012

 ::snipping2::
Garrard's attorneys said neither Garrard nor Jessica Hardin did anything intentional to harm the child, but county District Attorney Jimmie Harp said they should have known the harsh punishment and hours of running could kill the child.

"You've got several witnesses in the neighborhood who saw the child struggling for air and vomiting and even that didn't stop (Garrard)," he said.
::snipping2::
Hardin, who was pregnant at the time and has since given birth, was the first person to call 911 after Savannah collapsed into seizures, Harp said, but she failed to do her duty as a parent by not stopping the abuse earlier, he said. While the woman was only outside with Garrard and the girl about 15 minutes, she could have done more to help the girl, the prosecutor said.
 ::snipping2::
Garrard's attorneys also said Wednesday the relatives of the two women are backing them. The relatives have not commented publicly on the charges, but they sat behind the defense table during a bond hearing earlier this month.

Harp said it was understandable that relatives are supporting the two women since they have yet to see all the evidence gathered by investigators. That includes a surveillance video from the girl's school bus shows Garrard telling the driver she would run the child until "she can't run no more," Harp said.

Wonder why neighbors who saw this happening did not intervene...I am certain that if any of us monkeys were witnesses to this, those 2 murders would have been confronted...no doubt in my mind that I would have stepped in and at least inquired A's to why this child was running in the yard like that. People have to get involved instead of looking the other way.

I'm not sure if anyone realized what was going on until the end, I just don't know.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/defense-family-jailed-ala-grandmother-15922864

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20120316/WIRE/120319858
Arraignment set in Savannah Hardin case
March 6, 2012

GADSDEN — A hearing is scheduled Wednesday for the Alabama grandmother and stepmother charged with murder in the death of a 9-year-old girl who allegedly was run to death.

Etowah County Circuit Judge William B. Ogletree on Friday set the arraignment hearing for 46-year-old Joyce Garrard. She faces a possible death penalty in the death of her granddaughter, Savannah Hardin.

The girl’s stepmother, 27-year-old Jessica Hardin, also is set to appear in court that day, said one of her attorneys, Morgan Cunningham. The judge scheduled the hearing to accept initial pleas from the women and consider any motions in their cases, Cunningham said.

Defense attorneys have said both women will plead not guilty.
 ::snipping2::

http://www2.alabamas13.com/news/2012/mar/21/grandmother-stepmother-enter-not-guilty-pleas-deat-ar-3452870/
Grandmother, stepmother enter not guilty pleas in death of Savannah Hardin
By: Shannon Delcambre | NBC 13
March 21, 2012

The grandmother and stepmother of Savannah Hardin have entered not guilty pleas in court Wednesday.

Joyce Garrard, 46, and Jessica Hardin, 27, both pleaded in an Etowah County courtroom during an arraignment that started at 1:00pm CT.

 ::snipping2::
The next court proceedings will take place this summer.

Note:  Charges haven't been downgraded.  See article just below this one, clarifying and correcting it.  MuffyBee

http://www.myfoxal.com/story/17211953/hardin-murder-suspects-arraigned-today
Charges downgraded against Savannah Hardin's stepmom
March 21, 2012

New information came out today in court in the Savannah Hardin murder case. As you know, the prosecution claims her grandmother forced the little girl to run for three hours as punishment.

Wednesday, her grandmother and step-mother were in court, and there's a possibility the charges against Savannah's stepmother, Jessica Hardin may have been downgraded.

During the hearing a motion to amend the indictment against Jessica Hardin was granted. As the prosecution read the amendment the charges changed from felony murder and replaced with aggravated child abuse.

We could not ask the district attorney, nor the defense attorneys about it following the hearing because the judge essentially issued a gag order.  We also are unable to get the amended indictment until Thursday because the clerk's office is closed.
 ::snipping2::
Thursday we will have more clarification regarding the charges against Jessica Hardin.

Video at Link

A hearing to check on the status of these cases is set for June.  Hopefully we can see a date set.


http://whnt.com/2012/03/23/savannah-hardins-stepmother-still-charged-with-murder/
Savannah Hardin’s Stepmother Still Charged with Murder
by Christine Killimayer
March 23, 2012

Savannah Hardin’s stepmother Jessica Hardin is still charged with felony murder.

When district attorney Jimmie Harp read the indictment at Wednesday afternoon’s arraignment, he said nothing about murder, despite the grand jury’s indictment of felony murder and aggravated child abuse. Harp skipped over the charge because of a typo. He purposefully avoided reading the incorrect indictment so as to avoid complicating the charges.

The indictment said Savannah was carrying “food” for an extended period of time, when it should have said “wood.”

The indictment was amended Thursday.
 ::snipping2::
Video at Link

http://www.myfoxal.com/story/17233949/forensic-pathologist-reviews-savannah-hardin-death-certificate
Forensic pathologist reviews Hardin death certificate
By Christy Hutchings
March 22, 2012

Video at Link

Debate on Alabama girl's death plays out on Facebook
 
"Relatives and friends of the grandmother and stepmother charged with running a 9-year-old girl to death as a punishment have been defending and attacking the women on Facebook and in at least one case nearly divulging what could be considered evidence."
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20120507/NEWS/120507003/Debate-Alabama-girl-s-death-plays-out-Facebook-?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Frontpage

http://enewscourier.com/local/x1856223369/Stepmother-charged-in-running-death-denied-bond
Stepmother charged in running death denied bond
The News-Courier in Athens, Alabama
May 11, 2012

GADSDEN, Ala. (AP) — An Etowah County Circuit Judge has denied bond for the stepmother of a 9-year-old girl who died in March after she was run to death as punishment.
 ::snipping2::
Her grandmother, Joyce Hardin Garrard, has been charged with capital murder. Attorneys for Jessica Hardin requested a bond reduction hearing for her. The stepmother is charged with felony murder and has been in jail on a $500,000 cash bond since her arrest. Several news outlets have reported that defense attorneys told the judge her bond should be set between $15,000 and $75,000.
   
 

http://www2.alabamas13.com/news/2012/may/10/4/jessica-hardins-attorneys-ask-judge-reduce-her-500-ar-3769125/
Judge denies Jessica Hardin's request to reduce $500,000 bond
By Ashley Roberts
May 12, 2012

UPDATE 5:25 p.m.

This afternoon, Circuit Judge William Ogletree denied Hardin's request to reduce bond.

-------

Etowah Co. - An Etowah County woman charged with murder in the death of her stepdaughter wants to get out of jail.

A bond hearing was held this morning for Jessica Hardin.

She's charged with felony murder in the running death of 9-year-old Savannah Hardin.

The girl's grandmother, Joyce Garrard is charged with capital murder, but she was not in court.

Hardin's attorneys asked the judge to reduce her bond.

Right now, it's set at $500,000 cash bond.

They say according to state law for felony murder bond should be set between $15,000 and $75,000.

Hardin's attorneys say she should be released from jail so she can be with her family and children.

They say if Hardin is released she would not be a flight risk because she doesn't have a passport.

On the other hand, prosecutors believe bond should stay as is because Hardin has connections out of the state and country.

They were referring to her husband who is serving in Pakistan and relatives in Wisconsin.
More...
Video at Link

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20120510/NEWS/120519999/1016/NEWS?Title=Bond-denied-for-Jessica-Hardin-
Bond reduction denied in Savannah Hardin case
By Andy Powell
Times Staff Writer
May 10, 2012

Etowah County Circuit Judge Billy Ogletree on Thursday turned down a request to reduce the $500,000 cash bond for Jessica Hardin, who has been charged with murder in connection with the death of her stepdaughter, Savannah Hardin.

Savannah Hardin, 9, died Feb. 20. She allegedly had been forced to run for three hours carrying firewood as punishment by her grandmother, Joyce Hardin Garrard, for lying about eating chocolate on a school bus.

An autopsy showed the girl, a third-grader at Carlisle Elementary School, died from dehydration similar to that of a marathon runner.

Garrard, 46, faces a capital murder charge and is being held without bond.

Jessica Hardin, 27, is charged with felony murder since she reportedly did not do anything to stop the punishment.

Both women have entered not guilty pleas.

Thursday’s bond reduction hearing before Ogletree lasted about 10 minutes. Morgan Cunningham, one of Hardin’s two court-appointed attorneys, argued that the $500,000 cash bond that had been set for his client was above the recommended bond level of $15,000 to $75,000 for such charges.

Cunningham said the bond amount made it “basically an impossible bond” for his client to make.

He said since the capital murder case against Garrard likely would be tried first, and with a number of other capital murder cases also on the court docket, it could be two to three years or longer before Hardin’s case comes to trial. He said budget cuts have delayed trials in the state.

Cunningham asked Ogletree that it be made a property rather than a cash bond in that range.
 ::snipping2::
(2 page story)

http://www.abc3340.com/story/18799097/suspects-in-savannah-hardins-death-are-back-in-court
Suspects in Savannah Hardin's death are back in court
June 15, 2012

The grandmother and step-mother of Savannah Hardin were back in court Friday morning.

The attorneys for Joyce Garrard and Jessica Hardin asked a judge to be given access to personnel records of the doctor who treated Savannah Hardin at Gadsden Regional Medical Center.

A lawyer for the hospital called the subpoena request a "fishing expedition."

The court made no ruling on that issue, but ruled the Calhoun County District Attorney's office must give the defense 911 recordings and video of Garrard's encounter with Savannah's school bus driver the day the day the 9-year old collapsed.
More...

http://www.myfoxal.com/story/18796506/savannah-hardins-grandmother-to-return-to-court
Savannah Hardin's grandmother and stepmother return to court
June 15, 2012

IRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) -

The woman accused of running her granddaughter to death appeared in court today. The hearing lasted about 50 minutes.

Both Joyce Garrard and her daughter-in-law, Jessica Hardin appeared in court. Among the issues brought up is the defense requesting 911 calls made from the day Savannah Hardin's death. They are also asking for the school bus video that recorded the conversation where Garrard allegedly said she was going to punish Savannah for having candy.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.newsaegis.com/news/x941534695/Hardin-Bill-to-help-children
Hardin Bill to help children
July 29, 2012


St. Clair — State Rep Dickie Drake partnered with the Children First Foundation to create and pass the Savannah Hardin bill due to recent child abuse cases such as the rapes that Jerry Sandusky,  former coach at Penn State was found guilty of, and the child abuse and murder charges that Savannah Hardin’s grandmother Joyce Hardin Garrard and the girl’s stepmother, Jessica Hardin. The bill is named after nine-year-old Savannah Hardin of Etowah County, who was allegedly run to death by her grandmother as her stepmother stood by.

Both the Savannah Hardin case and the sexual abuse of Sandusky could have been prevented if people had been obliged to come forward about what they knew was happening. Any Alabama citizen who suspects or has knowledge of child abuse and neglect report it to the Department of Human Resources or law enforcement.
More...

Thanks for this update Muffy.

(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo242/Brandi-Monkey/WEATHER/Animation1b.gif)

You're welcome Sister.  I believe Savannah was on the receiving end of long time abuse by her family and we can't bring her back, but those responsible can have consequences. 

Totally agree!

http://www.kens5.com/news/national/170644376.html
Stepmother charged in running death seeks freedom
September 21, 2012

GADSDEN, Ala. (AP) — The stepmother of a 9-year-old Alabama girl who was allegedly run to death as punishment is asking a judge to lower her bond.

Jessica Mae Hardin is due in court Friday for a hearing on a request to reduce her bond from $500,000 so she can be released.

The woman had a baby after her arrest, but Judge William Ogletree previously refused a similar motion.
 ::snipping2::

Looks like she may be considering a plea deal as well. 

Sometimes it seems that children are harmed and the perpetrators get to maintain their freedom.  It's refreshing to see the two that hurt Savannah were immediately incarcerated and are still being held.

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20120924/NEWS/120929899/1016/NEWS?Title=Marchers-seek-Justice-for-Savannah-

Marchers seek 'Justice for Savannah
Monday, September 24, 2012 at 6:15 p.m.

 ::snipping2::

Hawkins and others decided to march Monday outside the Etowah County Courthouse after a court hearing on Friday hinted of a possible plea deal for Savannah’s stepmother, Jessica Hardin.

bless all the marchers ::MonkeyAngel::

Thanks for the update.
Blessings to the marchers!

1/6/13  Bond reduced for Alabama stepmom in running death
 
"Etowah County Circuit Judge Billy Ogletree reduced the bond for Jessica Hardin from $500,000 to $150,000. The judge said the original bond was excessive and $150,000 was in line with other non-capital cases. The Gadsden Times reports  that if Hardin makes bond, she must remain at her residence unless she receives permission from a community corrections officer to leave.
 Savannah Hardin collapsed and later died after being made to run for about three hours as punishment for telling a lie. The girl's grandmother, Joyce Hardin Garrard, is accused of forcing her to run. She is charged with capital murder, and she is jailed without bond"
http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/01/bond_reduced_for_alabama_stepm.html

Thank you for the update alagary.  I wonder what kind of running punishment stepmom Jessica Hardin would be forced to run if Joyce Garrad were to mete out punishment for her like she did young Savannah?  If Savannah had to run for three hours (carrying firewood, if I recall correctly) for lying about eating a piece of candy given to her, how long should Jessica Hardin have to run?  If what's good for the goose is good for the gander, how long would Joyce Garrad herself have to run for her crime of running a child to death? 
I'm a believer of holding children responsible for their behavior and there can be consequences, but the punishment given out by Joyce Garrad doesn't fit the infraction.  It's cruel.  I was in a laundry room of an apartment complex of a friend of mine years ago and  I overheard a couple of women talking about punishment.  One of the women said she had her son on his knees for an hour (an hour!!) for something he had done.  The child had to stay on his knees and if his bottom dropped to sit, she hit him with a belt.  The child age of the child?  Four.  I never did find out what  the little boy did to deserve this. An adult would struggle with that kind of punishment.   ::MonkeyNoNo::

If the same thing was done at Gitmo there would be months of protests and hearings.

Her bond should not be reduced. She is a murderer.

Absolutely Cookie.  What is in the head of the judges -- my own answer, not much!
 ::MonkeyMad::

http://www.abc3340.com/story/20524490/jessica-mae-hardin-released-from-jail
Jessica Mae Hardin released from jail
January 7, 2013

Jessica Mae Hardin, who faces charges for the death of her 9 year old step-daughter has been released from jail.

A spokeswoman with the Etowah County Sheriff's Office confirmed that Hardin posted bond at 3:30 Monday afternoon.

Friday, a judge reduced her bond from $500,000 to $150,000.
 ::snipping2::
The girl's grandmother, Joyce Hardin Garrard is being held without bond on a capital murder charge in connection with the child's death.

Outrageous....hope she is not allowed around other children.
She needs to be stoned ...and hat is being kind on my part

you are so right Cookie!

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/06/13/alabama-woman-charged-with-running-granddaughter-to-death-lied/?intcmp=obinsite
Alabama woman charged with running granddaughter to death lied
June 13, 2014

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. –  An Alabama woman charged with running her 9-year-old granddaughter to death as punishment wasn't truthful about events that led to the child's collapse, prosecutors contend.

A motion filed by Etowah County prosecutors Thursday said Joyce Garrard, 49, is trying to prevent jurors from finding out she misled first responders and medical workers about what happened to Savannah Hardin. Garrard is charged with capital murder in the death.

Prosecutors are opposing a request filed earlier by the defense to prevent jurors from hearing any of the woman's statements after emergency officials arrived to care for the girl.

The district attorney's office said there is "absolutely no legal basis for excluding statements from evidence because the statements may make the jury believe that the defendant committed the crime for which she is charged."

"Clearly, (Garrard) wishes to prevent the jury in this case from learning that she did not respond truthfully to the questions that were posed to her by first responders and medical professionals concerning the incidents leading up to Savannah's collapse," prosecutors said.

The defense has not filed a response to the motion. Lawyers can't comment publicly in the case because of a gag order issued by Circuit Judge William Ogletree.

Ogletree could consider the pleadings and other motions at a hearing set for Monday in Gadsden.

Garrard faces a possible death sentence if convicted in the death of the child. Prosecutors say the woman made the girl run for hours as punishment for a lie about eating candy.

The child collapsed outside Garrard's rural home and died three days later in a hospital. Garrard denied being responsible, and her lawyers have suggested longstanding medical problems and mistreatment led to the girl's death.

Originally scheduled for this month, Garrard's trial is now set for Sept. 22. She has been jailed since her arrest in February 2012.

The child's stepmother, Jessica Mae Hardin, also is charged with murder for allegedly allowing abuse to occur and failing to intervene. She is free on bond.

http://www.alabamas13.com/story/25776335/prosecutors-joyce-garrard-lied-to-first-responders-about-granddaughters-death
Prosecutors: Joyce Garrard lied to first responders about granddaughter's death
June 14, 2014

(http://i.imgur.com/9svwGDn.jpg)

ETOWAH COUNTY, AL - Prosecutors say an Etowah County woman lied about the events that led to the death of her 9-year-old granddaughter.

Now, they're challenging a request filed by Joyce Garrard's attorneys.

The defense wants to block jurors from hearing any of Garrard's statements to emergency workers or doctors about what happened to Savannah Hardin.

Garrard is accused of running Hardin to death in 2012 as punishment for lying about eating a candy bar.

A judge could consider the requests at a hearing set for Monday.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.al.com/news/anniston-gadsden/index.ssf/2014/06/judge_hearing_motions_in_savan.html
Judge hearing motions in Savannah Hardin's running death
June 16, 2014

 ::snipping3::
A judge says he will hear motions Monday morning in Gadsden in the capital murder case against 49-year-old Joyce Garrard.

Garrard is charged in the death of Savannah Hardin in 2012. Prosecutors say the woman made the girl run for hours as punishment for a lie about eating candy.

The defense is asking the judge to limit the amount of evidence that jurors can hear when Garrard goes on trial in September. They're trying to block prosecutors from using statements the woman made to medical workers.

Prosecutors say the defense is trying to prevent jurors from learning that Garrard wasn't truthful about what happened.

The defense blames the child's death on previous medical problems.

http://www.al.com/news/anniston-gadsden/index.ssf/2014/06/judge_denies_motions_to_limit.html
Judge denies motions to limit testimony in case of grandmother accused of running child to death
June 16, 2014

(http://i.imgur.com/JnG1O0xl.jpg)
Joyce Garrard is escorted by law enforcement officers to a court hearing in Gadsden, Ala., Tuesday, May 7, 2013. (AP Photo/Jay Reeves)

GADSDEN, Alabama -- An Etowah County circuit judge this morning said he would rule later on whether to change the venue in the case of a woman accused of running her grandchild to death in 2012.

However, Judge William Ogletree denied several motions which would have limited the scope of testimony, presumably by medics and physicians who treated 9-year-old Savannah Hardin.

Joyce Hardin Garrard is accused of capital murder in making Savannah, her 9-year-old granddaughter, run around their Etowah County home for about three hours for lying about eating a candy bar. The girl collapsed and died three days later.

The girl's stepmother, Jessica Mae Hardin, faces a charge of murder. Both women say they are innocent.

Earlier this year, Robert Lee Hardin, the child's father, filed suit against Gadsden Regional Medical Center, alleging a doctor and nurse did not properly diagnose and treat the child when she was brought in Feb. 17, 2012.

Garrard's trial is set for Sept. 22.

Garrard's lawyers have filed several motions over the last few months to limit testimony. The latest dealt with whether medical workers who treated Savannah Hardin could be kept from delivering their opinions during expert testimony. Garrard's lawyer, Dani Bone, had also requested that the defense be given summaries of what expert witness opinions might be before they are expected to testify.

Prosecutors countered by saying that the same witnesses are available for interviews by the defense prior to the trial, as well as any evidence from the case files.

Ogletree said what individual witnesses will testify to would be handled as the trial progresses. It also ruled that evidence photographs will be reviewed to determine "what is necessary" once the trial begins.

Shortly before the hearing closed, lawyers for both sides, along with Garrard, conferred at the bench over a motion for a change of venue, with Bone showing a copy of a local newspaper. Olgetree said he would rule on the motion later.

Another pre-trial status hearing is scheduled for Aug. 18 at 1:30 p.m.

 ::snipping3::\Running death: Grandmother wants charge dismissed

The Associated PressJAY REEVES Nov 14th 2014 8:16AM 

 BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) -- An Alabama woman accused of running her granddaughter to death has asked an appeals court to dismiss a capital murder charge against her, citing potential autopsy problems and legal delays.

Lawyers for Joyce Garrard Hardin, 49, have filed papers with the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals saying they found numerous problems with the state's autopsy of 9-year-old Savannah Hardin in 2012.

Hardin has been jailed since Feb, 22, 2012, accused of making her granddaughter run for hours as punishment for a lie about candy. Authorities have said the girl was exhausted to the point of collapsing. She died three days later in a hospital.

The defense contends the child died because of long-standing health problems, adding testimony about the girl's physical condition and the autopsy could be vital at trial. Those lawyers have asked the appeals court to order a circuit judge in Alabama's Etowah County, William Ogletree, to throw out the charge.
 ::monkeyscissors::

^^^^
http://www.aol.com/article/2014/11/14/running-death-grandmother-wants-charge-dismissed/20993726/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl28%7Csec1_lnk3%26pLid%3D563565

I certainly hope the charges aren't dismissed.  If Savannah did in fact have long-standing health problems surely the grandmother knew.  It was wrong to treat anyone the way Savannah was treated, especially being a young girl, but if she had health issues, that makes it even worse imo.  By the defense bringing in Savannah's physical condition and long standing health problems, the prosecution should turn that right around and ask why would anyone force a child that is known to be medically fragile into such a punishing physical ordeal?   ::MonkeyNoNo::  Of course the defense attorneys want the the charges thrown out.  And that's because what the grandmother and others did was so horrible to Savannah as far as defense, they've got nothing!!  JMHO

 ::rhino::

2/11/15 Garrard trial may create parking problems for Etowah County Courthouse 

"Jury selection is scheduled to begin next week in the capital murder trial of Garrard, accused of capital murder in making her 9-year-old granddaughter Savannah Hardin run around their Etowah County home for about three hours on Feb. 17, 2012 as punishment for lying about eating a candy bar. The girl collapsed and died three days later.

Officials anticipate a jury pool of about 700 will be called next week, meaning parking may be at a premium at the courthouse, which sits across Forrest Avenue from the county judicial building."

http://www.al.com/news/anniston-gadsden/index.ssf/2015/02/garrard_trial_may_create_probl.html#incart_river

deal with it officials -- this case hurts my heart so much.
Thank you Algary for the update.

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20150221/NEWS/150229969
Faculty holds onto good memories of Savannah Hardin
February 21, 2015

(http://i.imgur.com/eeHiWCP.jpg) (http://imgur.com/eeHiWCP)
Several books have been donated to the Carlisle Elementary School library in memory of former student Savannah Hardin. Savannah died after being punished at home in 2012.
Marc Golden | Gadsden

At 9 years old, Savannah Hardin had not left a mark on the world at large, but she certainly marked the hearts of the faculty and staff at Carlisle Elementary School.

Hardin died three years and a few days ago, in February 2012, and her death led to capital murder charges against her grandmother, Joyce Hardin Garrard.

For those who knew Savannah at Carlisle, the upcoming trial is another reminder not only of the tragedy, but of a sweet child they remember as “a ray of sunshine.”

Principal Donna Johnson said Savannah was an excellent student and an avid reader, and she loved horses. Reading from a letter Savannah wrote about herself in school, she said her talents were “getting close to horses and art.”

Savannah was a third-grader at the school when she died. Paige Cash, now a counselor, was one of her teachers at Carlisle. Hope Harris was the school’s guidance counselor in 2012.

Johnson and Cash remembered the girl as an excellent student. “She tried really hard in academics,” Johnson said. “She liked to help others, but she didn’t always want others to see that.”
 ::snipping3::

Savannah loved to read, she added, and always made her goals in the school’s Accelerated Reader program.

It was Savannah’s love of reading that inspired a lasting tribute to her at Carlisle.

“After she passed, we had a fundraiser and we used the money to buy books,” Johnson said. The books were placed in the school library, each bearing a bookplate in memory of Savannah.

Harris said the books were selected to reflect Savannah’s interests and loves — such as her love of horses.

“We tried to pick books she would have enjoyed,” she said.
 ::snipping3::
More...

http://www.al.com/news/anniston-gadsden/index.ssf/2015/02/trial_of_joyce_garrard_accused.html
Trial of Joyce Garrard, accused of running granddaughter to death, set to begin next week
February 21, 2015

An Etowah County jury will soon decide whether a 9-year-old girl died as a result of an excessive punishment from her grandmother over a lie.

Jury qualification was completed Friday and jury selection is expected to begin next week in the capital murder trial of Joyce Hardin Garrard, 49.

Garrard is accused of forcing her granddaughter Savannah Hardin to run for three hours carrying firewood until she collapsed from exhaustion in February 2012. The punishment came, prosecutors contend, because the grandmother caught Hardin in a lie on a Friday afternoon about eating a candy bar.

The child was taken to a Gadsden hospital and then transferred to Children's of Alabama, where she died the following Monday. A preliminary autopsy showed she was extremely dehydrated and had a very low sodium level.
 ::snipping3::
Savannah's biological parents divorced when she was three, and both parents moved to Florida where they shared custody.

Between 2007 and 2009, the Florida Department of Children and Families on at least four occasions investigated allegations that Savannah was being mistreated or was living in hazardous conditions while living with her mother, according to documents obtained by The Ledger of Lakeland, Fla. However, investigators found no evidence for the charges.

The Associated Press reported that Savannah began living with her father Robert in 2009 and they moved back to Alabama. He then married Jessica Mae Hardin, fathered a son with her, and both she and Garrard watched Savannah and the boy while Robert was working for the U.S. State Department outside the country. Garrard is Robert's mother.

Jessica Mae Hardin was arrested along with Garrard in connection with Savannah's death, just days before Jessica gave birth to a child.

She called 911 to report Savannah had collapsed from seizures. Prosecutors said in 2012 she was charged with murder because she was at the home and failed to intervene and stop the abuse. She has not yet been tried, and her lawyers contend she is innocent.

District Attorney Jimmie Harp said at the time that Garrard was charged with capital murder because the child's death occurred during child abuse, which is also a felony.

The defense says Garrard is innocent. It blames the child's death on other medical problems and treatment decisions.

Court records showed Savannah had a medical condition requiring medication, treatment and trips to a Birmingham urologist. Authorities in 2012 said Garrard's anger came because Savannah supposedly ate chocolate, and the girl was not supposed to consume caffeine due to her condition.

Etowah County investigators three years ago said they were tipped off after concerned neighbors called and described Savannah's treatment. Before a judge imposed a gag order, prosecutors said Garrard could be seen on a surveillance video from the girl's school bus telling the driver she would run the child until "she can't run no more."

Last year, Robert Hardin filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against Gadsden Regional Medical Center, claiming a doctor and nurse did not properly diagnose and treat the child when she was brought in. The suit alleges the child's medical care contributed to her death.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.al.com/news/anniston-gadsden/index.ssf/2015/02/judge_will_allow_questions_on.html
Judge will allow questions on fired pathologist in Savannah Hardin case
February 24, 2015

Etowah County Circuit Judge Billy Ogletree ruled today that defense attorneys for Joyce Hardin Garrard can ask questions about the reasons why a state pathologist who performed the autopsy on Savannah Hardin was fired from her job.

Ogletree also pushed back the beginning of jury selection to Thursday due to the threat of snow on Wednesday, meaning opening arguments in the trial of the woman accused of running her 9-year-old granddaughter to death in 2012 won't begin until next week.

Ogletree made several rulings this afternoon in a hearing that lasted about 90 minutes.

The state had sought in a motion to block questions about Dr. Emily Ward, who performed an autopsy on the child for the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences. The defense had filed a copy of a May 2013 letter to Ward saying she was being fired for falsifying time sheets and dereliction of duty.

But District Attorney Jimmie Harp said the state stands by her work on the case.

"We're happy with her work, we're proud of her work," District Attorney Jimmie Harp said. "She's fair game as far as her career is concerned."

Most of the hearing was taken up by a question as to the standard of medical care Hardin received after she collapsed.
More...

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/02/24/prosecutors-try-to-block-victim-medical-record-in-capital-murder-trial-ala/
Prosecutors try to block victim's medical record in capital murder trial of Ala. grandmother
February 24, 2015

http://**/general-news/20150223/alabama-woman-set-for-trial-in-granddaughters-running-death
State wants no questions on autopsy doctor in running death
February 23, 2015

GADSDEN, Ala. (AP) — Lawyers for an Alabama woman charged in the running death of her 9-year-old granddaughter shouldn't get to raise questions about the past of the doctor who performed the girl's autopsy, prosecutors told a judge.

Etowah County prosecutors, in a motion filed confidentially last week and made public by the defense in a court document late Sunday, argue that attorneys for Joyce Hardin Garrard should be barred from delving into the reasons the doctor left state employment.

The state also asked the judge to block Garrard's lawyers from presenting any unsupported speculation about what killed 9-year-old Savannah Hardin in February 2012. And jurors shouldn't get to hear anyone but Garrard describe her mental state or intent, the state argued.

The defense asked Etowah County Circuit Judge Billy Ogletree to allow all relevant evidence in the trial, which will begin later this week with jury selection.

Questions about the autopsy and Garrard's intent could be vital because the defense blames the child's death on health issues aside from running and denies that the woman wanted to harm the child.

It wasn't immediately clear whether Ogletree would hold a hearing on the motions before final jury selection and opening statements. Preliminary juror qualification ended last week.
More...

http://www.al.com/news/anniston-gadsden/index.ssf/2015/03/judge_opens_jury_selection_pro.html
Judge opens jury selection process in trial of Savannah Hardin's grandmother
March 3, 2015

Etowah County Circuit Judge Billy Ogletree has opened the jury selection process in the trial of a woman accused of running her granddaughter to death.

Jury selection continues today in the trial of Joyce Hardin Garrard, 59, who prosecutors say forced her granddaughter, 9-year-old Savannah Hardin, to run in place as punishment until she collapsed in February 2012. She died in a Birmingham hospital days later.

Natalie Barton, spokeswoman for the judge, said Ogletree opened the process this morning. Lawyers for Garrard had argued in a filing Monday that closing the jury selection process was unconstitutional.

It is also unclear when opening statements may begin in the case. Jury selection was slowed last week by winter weather, and icy precipitation expected on Thursday could move the opening to next week
 ::snipping3::

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20150310/NEWS/150319999?Title=Neighbor-testifies-she-heard-Garrard-ordering-granddaughter-to-run
Jurors in Garrard trial hear 911 call
March 10, 2015

Jurors on Tuesday heard a more than 11-minute 911 call made by Jessica Hardin in February 2012 as testimony continued in the capital murder trial of Joyce Hardin Garrard.

In the call, 9-year-old Savannah Hardin’s stepmother told the dispatcher the girl suffered a seizure as she was going down the back steps of the porch.

Garrard can be heard in the background, calling out to the girl, apparently trying to get her unconscious granddaughter to respond.

At 2 minutes, 41 seconds into the call, Garrard can be heard in the background, saying, “Get me a smoke ...”

Garrard is charged with forcing the girl to run for hours until she collapsed and died days later in a hospital. Authorities say the girl was being punished for eating candy bars and lying about it.

On cross examination, defense attorney Richard Rhea asked dispatcher Lori Beth Beggs if Garrard didn’t in fact say “Get me a throw or something,” but Beggs said she did not.

She said Garrard asked for a smoke, as in a cigarette. She said she’d never had someone in the middle of a 911 call asking for a cigarette.

Testimony from first responders indicated there was a blanket over the lower half of Savannah’s body when they arrived at the scene. In questioning witnesses, Rhea suggested the blanket could have been the considered a throw.

She said Hardin responded to her questions, saying Savannah did take medication regularly. However, she also said that Savannah didn’t have any medical condition, and never during the 911 call did anyone mention that the child had been running for hours prior to her collapse.
More...

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/prosecutors-ala-girl-forced-to-run-3-hours-carrying-firewood/
Prosecutors: Ala. girl forced to run 3 hours carrying firewood
March 10, 2015

 ::snipping3::
Assistant district attorney Marcus Reid said during opening statements in a standing-room-only courtroom that jurors would hear from neighbors who say they heard and saw what happened to Savannah the day she died.
Defense attorney Dani Bone tried to raise doubt about medical evidence in the case by showing jurors a version of the indictment, which mentioned severe dehydration and seizures. However, Bone said Savannah died because of a fatally low sodium level. He said the evidence will show the girl had too much water in her system, not that she was dehydrated.
Bone told jurors that prosecutors "have oversold their case to the world."

"They're trying to hoodwink you with junk science," he said. "Make them prove their case."

According to prosecutors, neighbors said Garrard yelled at the girl as she ran, forcing her to continue "like some kind of drill sergeant."

A neighbor, Chad Jacobs, said he saw the girl running and carrying firewood and sticks over a two-hour period as he came and went from his home.

"Joyce and Savannah were in the yard, and Joyce was telling Savannah to keep running," said Chad Jacobs. "She was just saying, 'Keep running, I didn't tell you to stop.'"

Jacobs said he wasn't concerned at first but eventually saw the girl "on all fours" on the ground and vomiting with Garrard pouring water over her. Paramedics arrived within minutes, he said.

When paramedics arrived, they found Savannah on the ground, "freezing cold to the touch," her clothes and shoes soaking wet, Reid said. Garrard never told the medics that the girl had been running; she said only that the girl collapsed in the yard.

Savannah wasn't supposed to eat candy because she was on medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and had a bladder problem, but she had eaten candy on the school bus the day before she died.

Garrard was angry that Savannah ate the candy - "but she was more upset about the lie," Reid said.

Surveillance video from a school bus shown to a jury showed Garrard talking with the bus driver, Raenna Holmes, about Savannah taking candy without paying from another student who was selling it. Garrard told Holmes: "She's going to run until I tell her to stop."

The women then talk about a bladder condition the girl had and a procedure she had related to that condition. The driver then asks, "Is she OK?"

Garrard replies: "She might be when I get about four more bottles of water in her."

Holmes said in court that she saw the girl picking up sticks in the yard but did not see her running.

"I feel partly responsible. I should have paid for those candy bars," Holmes said.

The girl's stepmother, Jessica Mae Hardin, is awaiting trial on a murder charge in the girl's death. Authorities said she failed to intervene while the older woman forced the girl to run.

http://www.alabamas13.com/news/Prosecutors-nearing-end-of-evidence-in-running-death-trial/31773524
Prosecutors nearing end of evidence in running death trial
No word on whether Garrard will testify
March 13, 2015

Etowah County authorities have presented medical evidence showing Savannah Hardin died of seizures caused by low sodium levels, and they've called neighbors who say grandmother Joyce Hardin Garrard made the girl run as punishment.

Garrard’s attorneys called for a mistrial Wednesday, claiming the prosecution failed to turn over some medical records. The judge denied the request.

The prosecution could present additional evidence Friday, or it could rest.

The defense will be next. Garrard's lawyers haven't indicated whether she will testify.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.wptv.com/news/national/savannah-hardins-running-death-trial-could-hinge-on-1-word-from-911-recording
Savannah Hardin's running death trial could hinge on 1 word from 911 recording
March 15, 2015

GADSDEN, Ala. (AP) -- One word on a 911 recording could help decide the fate of an Alabama woman accused of making her granddaughter run until she died.

With 9-year-old Savannah Hardin lying unconscious following an afternoon of running and a 911 operator listening over the phone, Joyce Hardin Garrard asked for something - either a cigarette or a blanket. The request, depending on exactly what she said, could be considered callousness or compassion.

Garrard, who is on trial for capital murder, says she is innocent. It is unclear whether she will testify about what happened that day in rural northeast Alabama.

The trial will continue Monday after the judge gave jurors Thursday and Friday off without explanation. Prosecutors have indicated they are near the end of their case.

On the Feb. 17, 2012, recording, played in court Tuesday, Garrard is heard in the background as the girl's stepmother, Jessica Mae Hardin, talked for more than 11 minutes with Lori Beth Beggs, a 911 operator in Etowah County.

Neighbors have testified they saw Garrard forcing the child to run and pick up sticks and firewood in the yard. Garrard was making her granddaughter run as punishment for a lie about eating candy, prosecutors said. The girl eventually collapsed and died three days later.

Hardin - awaiting trial on a murder charge in the child's death - made the call seeking help for Savannah.

"My daughter had a seizure," Hardin says at the beginning.

Speaking in a loud voice as Hardin talks to Beggs, Garrard is heard repeatedly saying the child's name and asking her to wake up.

"Savannah. Savannah," Garrard says in a steady voice. "Savannah, open your eyes."

Then, nearly three minutes into the recording, with Savannah still unresponsive, Garrard makes a request.

"Give me a smoke," Beggs testified the woman said.

The defense maintains she said: "Give me a throw," referring to a small blanket.

While jurors have listened to the recording, Circuit Judge Billy Ogletree refused to let them see a transcript of the audio prepared for the defense.

What the jurors believe she said could be vital. If Garrard asked for a cigarette while the girl lay before her dying, jurors could agree with prosecutors that the woman was angry and meant to kill the child by running her for hours.

If they believe the woman said "throw," jurors could see that as sign Garrard was worried and trying to help the girl. Other testimony showed that the girl was wrapped in a small blanket when firefighters and paramedics arrived.

The judge has issued a gag order that bars lawyers, witnesses and others from discussing the case publicly. Yet the importance of that one word became obvious while Beggs, the 911 operator, was on the stand.

Beggs testified that Hardin and Garrard seemed unusually calm during the call. Beggs said relatives witnessing a seizure typically are panicky.

"I've never had anyone in four years ask for a cigarette," she testified.

Defense lawyer Richard Rhea pressed Beggs on exactly what Garrard had asked for.

"Did she, in fact, say `Give me a throw?'" Rhea said.

"No. `Give me a smoke,'" Beggs responded firmly.

It's up to the jury to decide.

http://www.al.com/news/anniston-gadsden/index.ssf/2015/03/3_quick_takeaways_from_joyce_g.html
Savannah Hardin running death trial: 3 things to know about Joyce Garrard case
March 12, 2015

http://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2015/03/joyce_garrard_verdict.html#incart_breaking


                        GUILTY !!!!!!!!!

http://www.sfgate.com/news/crime/article/Jurors-to-recommend-penalty-in-girl-s-running-6159998.php
Jury: Life sentence for grandmother in girl's running death
March 26, 2015

GADSDEN, Ala. (AP) — A jury recommended life without parole Thursday for an Alabama woman convicted of running her granddaughter to death.
Jurors rejected prosecutors' pleas for a death sentence for Joyce Hardin Garrard in the February 2012 death of 9-year-old Savannah Hardin. The decision came on a split vote: seven for life, five for death. It also came on Garrard's 50th birthday.
Members of her family cried in the courtroom after the sentence recommendation was announced, but Garrard was stone-faced as deputies led her back to jail.
Under Alabama law, a vote of at least 10 of 12 jurors was required for the panel to recommend death. A simple majority could recommend life.
The verdict is only a suggestion under Alabama law. Circuit Judge Billy Ogletree will make the final sentencing decision at a hearing May 11 and could still impose death, but prosecutors said they wouldn't ask him to override jurors.
The same jury convicted Garrard of capital murder last week.
Defense attorney Dani Bone said he plans to appeal the conviction.
"Joyce Garrard did not receive a fair trial," he said. Bone noted that the judge excluded medical evidence that the defense wanted to present. He also said the defense has evidence at least four jurors were on Facebook during the trial, despite the judge's admonitions to avoid social media.
District Attorney Jimmie Harp said he isn't worried about the case being overturned on appeal and was "very pleased" both with Garrard's conviction and the jury's recommendation.
"We believe Savannah Hardin received justice today," Harp said.
Deputy prosecutor Marcus Reid said Savannah's death might have gone unsolved if neighbors hadn't contacted investigators after she was hospitalized.
"They are heroes in this case," Reid said.
 ::snipping3::

waiting for May 11th.

 ::justice2nj2::

5/11 Joyce Garrard sentenced to life in prison for running death of her grandchild

"The Etowah County grandmother convicted of running her granddaughter to death was sentenced Monday to life in prison.

Joyce Garrard was convicted in March of this year in the death of 9-year-old Savannah Hardin. She was seen running and carrying firewood before she collapsed and later died.

Testimony indicated it was punishment for lying about candy bars.

Garrard's co-defendent in this case, Savannah's step-mother Jessica Hardin, faces a lesser charge of murder. No trial date has been set.

Continue to follow this story for updates."

http://www.wsfa.com/story/29033567/joyce-garrard-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-for-running-death-of-her-grandchild

Different article same title,

5/11 Joyce Garrard sentenced to life in Savannah Hardin running death case

"Etowah County Judge William "Billy" Ogletree today sentenced Joyce Hardin Garrard, 50, to life in prison without parole for forcing her granddaughter to run for hours until she collapsed and died.

Garrard, wearing a burgundy T-shirt, spoke briefly before the sentence was passed, telling Ogletree the only thing she would change would be "my granddaughter being with me as always." She added, "What you give me is what I'll have to do." "

http://www.al.com/news/anniston-gadsden/index.ssf/2015/05/joyce_garrard_sentenced_in_sav.html#incart_m-rpt-2

thank you for posting this alagary.

 ::justice2nj2::

2/12/16  Died since written

  Joyce Garrard, convicted of running grandchild to death, reportedly in grave condition 

"A woman convicted last year of capital murder in the 2012 death of her 9-year-old granddaughter is in grave condition in a Montgomery hospital, according to her son's attorney.

Alan Jackson, a Boaz attorney, said Joyce Hardin Garrard, 50, collapsed after a family visit Sunday at Julia Tutwiler Prison in Wetumpka and was taken to Jackson Hospital in Montgomery. She is currently on a ventilator there and is brain dead following an apparent heart attack, he said"

.
http://www.al.com/news/anniston-gadsden/index.ssf/2016/02/joyce_garrard_convicted_of_run_1.html

http://www.aol.com/article/2016/02/13/alabama-woman-convicted-of-running-granddaughter-to-death-has-di/21312186/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl5%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D-1744372301

In this article it verifies she has died.  Her attorney said she is now in heaven with Savannah.
Good thing I'm not the judge . . . guess I need to look in the mirror.  But this case has always sadden me.

 ::MonkeyTears::

I agree with what you've posted, Sister.   ::MonkeyTears::