GUILTY AL - Savannah Hardin, 9, forced to run til she died, Etowah Co., 17 Feb 2012

[FinallyRegistered]

I don't think I'll be reading that, after what people have been saying here.

No, you need to. It's the other side of what we have never heard. And, sadly, it appears the jury will never hear it either.

 

[Shelby1]

Yeah, Steely, don't skip it. It fills in a lot of blanks.

 

[waltzingmatilda]

Read it when you are ready Steely. Savannah's mom fought for her and the legal system/DCF failed, DB has court and DCF records to back up her claims. I've not tried posting a pic since WS re vamped the format but here is a pic of Savannah and Heather. If this doesn't work, maybe somebody can explain to me how to post a pic. (Back in the day, I always blew the margins when posting a pic) MOO

http://cdn.thedailybeast.com/conten...age.crop.800.500.jpg/1426762423309.cached.jpg

 

[waltzingmatilda]

Photo courtesy of Heather Walker per Daily Beast

 

[Shelby1]

 

[Steely Dan]

I have been depressed lately. I don't want to sink lower right now. Maybe when I feel better I'll read it.

 

[FinallyRegistered]

I have been depressed lately. I don't want to sink lower right now. Maybe when I feel better I'll read it.

That makes sense, and I understand (I'm coming out of the same thing). Just so you know, it didn't make me cry.

 

[waltzingmatilda]

OT Steely, I hope you know how much you are appreciated and loved around here at WS! Hugs to you for being up front with us. Depression is a terrible thing to battle. My dad suffers from it and so do I since my health went to hell in a handcart and I resigned from my job.

Oh, and about what FinallyRegistered said about not crying, I'm not typically a crier. I guess because I taught school for years and have seen a lot but couldn't show it. I am probably a bit overly emotional and passionate about this case as I have family in that area of Attalla, Carlisle, Boaz and Sand Mountain where this happened (none with the last name of Hardin or Garrard that I know of, thank goodness). I saw some things as a kid, heavy discipline, and I think that's why I identify so with Savannah.

All the best friend and feel better soon! Peace everybody and Justice for Savannah!

 

[tlcya]

read the article. Heartbroken for Savannah's mama.

 

[LinasK]

UGh yeah RIGHT. She felt "as responsible".

Too bad Joyce didn't feel "responsible" for Savannah's death! Or even her health. Running her to death was far worse than the effects of the chocolate on her, and the punishment didn't fit the crime of lying. Only for Jodi Arias would it fit.

 

[waltzingmatilda]

Hey everybody! William Thornton has posted additional tweets today about JG's testimony. One of the questions was about Robert Hardin, Do you hear from Robert? She (sic?)calls on holidays. "I haven't talked to my son in quite some time."

I can't post them all but here is the link to his twitter acct for you to read. https://twitter.com/billineastala

ETA Sounds like Savannah's dad has distanced himself from JG or maybe they were always distanced since he worked overseas, who knows? Bottom line, Savannah paid the price. MOO

Bama peeps.....does AL have public defenders for accused felons? Just curious.

 

[waltzingmatilda]

Too bad Joyce didn't feel "responsible" for Savannah's death! Or even her health. Running her to death was far worse than the effects of the chocolate on her, and the punishment didn't fit the crime of lying. Only for Jodi Arias would it fit.

That statement was one of the 'tells', she as much as said that she herself is a liar in a roundabout C@sey @nThony/Jopi @ri2s kind of way.

 

[Shelby1]

I'll copy the tweets for those at work or who can't access. I didn't think he'd be posting today. Thanks, WM!
WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

We had heard as early as late Tuesday that Joyce Garrard testifying was a possibility.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

And then Judge Ogletree had court start about 8:15, because the court had a lot of matters - preparing for jury charges, etc.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

There were a lot of people there, including the DA's parents. And then we waited. It was 9:35 before the jury was brought in.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

Joyce Garrard took the stand at 10:08 a.m. Defense attorney Richard Rhea asked her all the questions.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

Her voice was pitched most of the time in a very simple "well, that's just the way it is" tone. No nonsense. Husky.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

She had tendency to give a low chuckle at odd times. Rhea asked her how old she is. "Oh, well, let's see.I'll be 50 the 26th of this month."

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

This established a pattern of moments where she tried to humanize herself in her comments. When she was asked if her husband was there...

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

...she said, "He's that good looking man up there on the front row." I don't know how successful this was, except that her family was there.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

She was asked if she had ever testified in court before? No. "Are you nervous?" Rhea asked. "Absolutely," she said.

 

[Shelby1]

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

The first few questions had to do with Savannah's custody and how involved she had been in the girl's life from birth.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

She recounted when Savannah's parents broke up, and Robert's attempts to get custody. She and her husband helped pay for lawyer, she said.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

She said Heather, Savannah's biological mother, suggested they take Savannah because she was having "a little problem with child care."

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

The attorney was there "to get Savannah of the mess that Savannah was in," she said.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

"Was there any time in her 9 years when you were not part of her life?" No, she said.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

Next few questions were about how much childcare Joyce rendered to Savannah over the years. She said she and her husband rode motorcycles..

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

...to wherever Savannah was to help, as Savannah was frequently sick.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

Was there any time when you were not fully involved in Savannah's life? "I don't remember if there was," she said.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

She said at the time of Savannah's death, Jessica Hardin, Savannah and Savannah's brother were living in their home.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

She and her husband were living at Johnny Garrard's father's place on Hudson Hollow Road.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

They would go to Savannah's favorite restaurant, Western Sizzlin' and try to do "whatever the kids wanted to do."

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

She said the day Savannah collapsed, she picked up Savannah at school at Jessica's request. She said Jessica was mad that Savannah had lied.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

Savannah had taken three candy bars from another girl on the bus. Earlier testimony said Joyce was concerned that Savannah had bullied her.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

But Joyce said Jessica was the one who was mad about it and told her that Savannah should be spanked.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

She said on the way home, they talked about Pinocchio and the boy who cried wolf. "I was supposed to spank her. But I just couldn't do it."

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

"if there was an issue, you had to handle it," Rhea asked. But Joyce said no, "Jessica told me" to spank her.

 

[Shelby1]

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

"I figured if I talked to her, it would be just as good," she said.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

How w'd she handle problems with children? "I would go to McDonalds, ... take them some place they wanted to go. I'd take care of them."

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

Did you make Savannah pick up sticks? "I didn't make her. I told her that's what she had to do."

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

Did you make her run? "You don't have to make Savannah run. Savannah will run on her own."

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

When asked if she knew how long the two of them picked up sticks, she said she didn't carry a watch and left her cellphone in her car.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

Was she running? "She was running more like a job. Not a full run. Like a jog"

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

The rest of the time, they filled up water bottles, talked "cut up." "We had a good time. If I can keep her moving, her attention is on me."

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

"The more she's moving, she's listening to what I've got to say...She's wide open."

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

Did you make Savannah drink water? "She complained that she was thirsty. The meat in her sandwich at lunch didn't taste good."
0 retweets0 favoritesReply
Retweet
Favorite

 

[Shelby1]

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

Withhold water? "I did not." How long did you pick up sticks? "until we quit. I had done got my point across. It took 30-45 mins at max."

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

Other activities? playing on her husband's bike. Lying on her back. "Mainly, you could find her on of the motorcycles," she said....

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

...just don't tell her Papaw," she said. (a few people noted that she spoke about Savannah in the present tense for most of the time.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

Did you ever let her get out of your sight? "Never in our neighborhood. There's a sex offender that lives across the road," she said.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

Garrard said Savannah threw up only once. It was clear and had cupcake icing on it. "I guess whatever she ate made her sick," she said.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

Did Savannah carry firewood sized pieces? No. "She would if I had let her," she said.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

You intend on hurting Savannah? "Absolutely not. Not that day or any other day." Intend on inflicting serious injury. "I'd rather die 1st."

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

If you had know what you were doing might harm her, would you have made her stop. "Yes." "My job is the caretaker."

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

"I said we will not tell another story like that, or her nose is going to grow."

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

She said they were running up the steps to go to the bathroom, going inside to have pizza, when Savannah fell and had her seizure

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

"I had Jessica call 911. Immediately." She said Savannah urinated on herself, so they removed her pants.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

"Savannah was in a full blown seizure. We put her on her side because that's what the lady from 911 said to do. We put a belt in her mouth..

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

...to kick her from swallowing her tongue....All I could do was hold her."

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

"I kept telling her it was going to be alright. But she wasn't alright." Then Garrard began wiping her eyes.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

This was easily the most emotional she got on the stand. She wiped tears and drank from her water bottle.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

She did not ask for a smoke, she said. She wanted an Alabama throw to wrap around Savannah's legs. It was not wet, she said.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

She did insist on riding the ambulance with Savannah. She insisted that they move the child to Children's of Alabama.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

She said they waited a long time for nurses or doctors to care for Savannah. "We beat the helicopter there," she said.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

She told Rhea she did not know who the woman was who testified that Joyce said "f... her" when told a teacher had tried to call.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

She said investigators came to question her the same day Savannah was taken off life support.


[COLOR=#B30600 !important]2 hours ago




















[/COLOR]

 

[Shelby1]

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 3h3 hours ago

"I didn't leave the hospital. I didn't sleep." Her son, Savannah's father, was flying home from Pakistan.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

Do you ever talk to Savannah? Yes. I pray for her every day."

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

When Rhea finished, he said he would turn her over to the DA's office for a few questions. "Why, thank you," she responded.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

I don't mind telling you, hearing her say that was, frankly, chilling...

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

Tone of voice was shrill, sarcastic, totally not what you want to project to a jury when you're on trial for capital murder. Then a break.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

10 minutes later, cross examination started with Chief Deputy District Attorney Marcus Reid. His voice was sometimes low, even hushed.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

And at other times, it was accusatory. About what you would expect during cross. He started out in a conversational voice.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

Was Jessica the one who handled discipline? "I was told by Jessica and Robert that I should." Isn't it a fact that you thought Jessica was..

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

...too easy on her? That she asked her to write sentences? "I don't recall it. It's been three years."

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

On Feb. 17, you were pretty upset. "No I wasn't." She's going to learn, that's what you said, isn't it? "I can't make Savannah do anything."

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

Many times, Reid would read back her comments, on the bus video. "I don't recall." He would cite witness statements. "I can't remember."

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

You pushed her to run. "You can't make Savannah do anything. Bottom line. You can't do it."

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

When Reid read the testimony of Mrs. Sweatt, the woman whose daughter had the candy bars Savannah ate, about how she though Joyce was...

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

...very upset, so upset that Mrs. Sweatt called her back to make sure she didn't punish Savannah, Garrard said she wasn't upset at all.

 

[Shelby1]

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

Didn't make Savannah run?Were you in court yesterday when the expert witness your defense team put on said the child died by running 2 much?

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

"I don't recall. I haven't been paying attention to everything. I've got lawyers to do that."

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

Shudder went through the gallery when she said this.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

How much did S. run? "She runs all the time.She likes to run. She asked me to catch her.She wanted to come in top of her running class."

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

You were encouraging her? "I may have. I had to tell her not to stop. She wanted to hesitate before coming to the finish line. So we...

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

...fixed up a finish line and and we would swap the stick. We did a lot of things that afternoon...She never ran to the fence."

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

"She may have jogged to the fire pit. I can keep up with her." "I would slow down. I have a bad heart. If she was running, I was running."

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

Savannah was never down on her hands and knees, she said. Reid had his arms crossed now. She tripped on her shoelaces. She wasn't crying.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

She fell down twice on her shoe laces. Then Reid pulled out the blue pants Savannah was wearing that afternoon. Are these them? he asked.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

"If you smell them, they smell a little uriney," she said.

 

[Shelby1]

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

Drinking water? "She had a bottle and I had a bottle." Reid asked about how she had told investigators on the 21st that she drank little.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

Was Savannah wet when she was in your arms? No. Then how did she get wet? She peed on herself. Then how did the blanket get wet?

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

How did her shirt get wet? She said they were spitting water on each other. "we were doing all kinds of stupid stuff that afternoon."

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

But kids don't usually die of overexertion. How do you explain that? You also don't see them die of overhydration.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

"I'm the water police. I police the water. She drinks when she wants."

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

you remember when you told investigator she only ran for five minutes? "No. I remember him calling me an f-ing b***h. Crazy f-ing b***h."

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

How do you explain inconsistencies in what you said. "I lost my grandchild. I didn't care about anybody. I lost everything that meant..."

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

...anything to me in this world." Do you hear from Robert? She calls on holidays. "I haven't talked to my son in quite some time."

 

[Shelby1]

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

He asked her about the incident with Heather, Savannah's birth mom, witnessing Joyce talking to Jessica at the hospital.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

He asked about not letting Heather see Savannah without her or Jessica in the room

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

Jessica ever say she was afraid of you? "The conversation doesn't ring a bell."

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

Do you remember Jessica going inside because she couldn't watch? "Jessica was doing whatever Jessica usually does."

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

Do you remember her going inside that afternoon because she didn't want to see what was going on? "I don't remember that."

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

She make Savannah run? "you can't make Savannah run. "To the point of running herself to death? So this is a suicide case?” Defense objects.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

Then the prosecution played the bus video. "Mrs. Garrard, who are we supposed to believe? You or our lying eyes?"

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

When defense had her again for questioning, Rhea asked if Savannah threw up during the 911 call. Jessica is overheard saying she has.

WilliamThornton @billineastala · 2h2 hours ago

Before, she had said Savannah only vomited once. Then, after Rhea's question, she said twice.