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An Alabama chiropractor stands accused of a shocking crime – attempting to poison his wife by contaminating her pills with lead. As the legal proceedings unfold, Brian Mann, who is 36 years old, asserts that he too falls victim in this dramatic narrative.
According to reports, authorities filed attempted murder charges against Mann after they claimed he used lead sourced from a construction project to lace the pills he gave to his 25-year-old wife, Hannah Pettey. This disturbing allegation surfaced in court documents obtained by the Hartselle Enquirer.
In the early summer of 2021, Mann allegedly started administering these lead-laced pills to Pettey under the pretense of bolstering her immune system. This occurred during an incredibly tumultuous divorce process, as noted by her legal counsel.
Pettey was hospitalized for two months, with authorities suspecting that Mann intended to cause her to unknowingly ingest lead particles. This situation raised alarms among both medical professionals and law enforcement.
Allegations of a Malicious Plot Unfold
Mann’s team of attorneys is adamant in their defense, claiming he was himself a victim of lead poisoning within their shared home. Following Pettey’s hospitalization, investigators were dispatched to inspect possible sources of lead contamination in their residence. Mann initially cooperated, supplying medications and vitamins that Pettey was consuming at the time.
Despite conducting two thorough searches, law enforcement did not uncover a reliable source of lead within the household. Mann expressed his ongoing efforts to find appropriate testing for their children, revealing a proactive yet troubled stance.
Disturbing Hospital Encounter
Just prior to his arrest, a Decatur General Hospital nurse reported to authorities that Mann had claimed to conduct his own X-ray, discovering a substance in his digestive system, which he believed was lead. According to an affidavit acquired by the Hartselle Enquirer, this revelation alarmed the attending medical staff.
When informed that further X-ray evaluations were necessary, Mann reportedly showed visible signs of anxiety, leading the nurse to suspect he might attempt to flee the scene. Following this moment, the nurse practitioner confirmed the presence of a substance in Mann’s colon, although it seemed to have been there for a short duration.
Investigation Reveals More Questions
The affidavit, which was signed by Hartselle Police Capt. Alan McDearmond, further detailed that investigators obtained Mann’s medical records. These records reportedly indicate a possibility that Mann intentionally ingested lead in an effort to create the illusion of being poisoned.
Shortly after Mann’s hospital visit, a tip-off to local authorities suggested that he had engaged in a construction endeavor that involved installing lead in the walls of an X-ray room in his chiropractic office. This call added another layer to the complex case, revealing potential motives and methods at play.
Legal Maneuvering in the Courtroom
Mann’s apprehension took place in September 2022 amid the mounting evidence and public scrutiny. The case has attracted media attention, with an emphasis on the bizarre nature of these allegations. Mann’s defense team has sought to suppress certain evidence from being presented at trial, contending that the procedures used to collect evidence were inadequate.
Specifically, they criticized the extraction of alleged lead from Pettey’s urine, which was reportedly conducted in the back parking lot of the Hartselle Police Department using a five-gallon bucket and a strainer. Such details raise questions about the integrity of the investigative processes involved.
Awaiting Trial
Both the prosecuting attorney and Mann’s defense team have yet to respond to media inquiries regarding the unfolding case. At present, Mann is out on a $500,000 bond and is gearing up to contest the attempted murder charges in court. He has entered a plea of not guilty.
A Case to Watch
The accusations against Mann highlight the complexities surrounding domestic disputes when they escalate into severe criminal allegations. This case not only delves into the depths of personal conflict but also explores serious issues surrounding medical ethics and the responsibilities of professionals tasked with patient care.
As the court date approaches, the community watches with bated breath. This story serves as a stark reminder of how far some individuals may go in the face of personal turmoil, and the legal ramifications that can follow. The outcome of Mann’s trial could set significant precedents in similar cases, influencing future domestic violence and poisoning allegations.
