Suvechha Sarkar
In early January 2022, a deeply troubling case unfolded in Decatur, Alabama, which later drew national attention as the truth was revealed. At the center of it all was Hannah Pettey, a young woman who was initially hospitalized when her health deteriorated severely. The medical tests soon revealed lead poisoning as the cause of her suffering, with the amount in her bloodstream being too much to be accidental. CBS’s ’48 Hours: The Gaslighting of Hannah Pettey’ focuses on the investigation, which uncovered layers of emotional manipulation and an unexpected betrayal. It also features interviews with officials who worked on the case, Hannah’s mother, and Hannah herself.
Hannah Pettey’s Initial Illness Was Soon Revealed to be Lead Poisoning
When Hannah Pettey met Brian Mann, she thought she had finally found her soulmate. Shortly after, in 2018, they tied the knot and over the next few years, they gave birth to their son, Lincoln, and their daughter, Gracie. Everything seemed to be perfect until August 2021, when Hannah suddenly started getting sick and experiencing symptoms like abdominal pain and nausea. According to Hannah, by the following November, her health began to get worse. Yet, it wasn’t until January 2022 that Hannah was admitted to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Hannah’s mother, Nicole Pettey, stated that Hannah experienced a seizure a few hours after she was admitted and was eventually put on ventilation. Around 8 days later, the doctors identified the cause of her illness as lead poisoning.
According to official reports, doctors identified very high levels of lead in her system, which they stated could not have occurred accidentally. Hence, the medical emergency soon turned into an investigation of attempted murder. Investigative reports state that Hannah was put under a protective order because detectives suspected both Nicole and Brian, since they had the best access to Hannah for poisoning her. As per police records, when Hannah was questioned, she informed them that Brian, a Chiropractor, had been providing her with what he claimed were vitamin pills to strengthen her immune system. Court records state that Brian gave Hannah the pills from the summer of 2021 through the winter of that year. Investigators reportedly learned that Hannah and Brian were already discussing divorce proceedings by then.
Alleged Financial Motive and a Surprising Tip Led to the Arrest of Brian Mann
Official records indicate that detectives discovered five insurance policies on Hannah. Those policies collectively amounted to $1.3 million, which Brian would receive in case of Hannah’s death. Further investigation reportedly revealed that Brian had also applied for two additional policies, worth $1.5 million, but they were denied. According to reports, after Hannah’s discharge, Brian got an X-ray of himself and claimed that he also had lead poisoning. However, a nurse practitioner reportedly informed the authorities that when she asked him to take a second X-ray, she allegedly felt he was about to leave. Court records state that the nurse practitioner claimed that the lead in Brian’s system didn’t seem like it was there for a long time.
Despite two searches at Brian and Hannah’s home in Hartselle, Morgan County, officials reportedly discovered no traces of lead. However, a breakthrough arrived when officials reportedly received a tip that Brian was involved in a construction project at his office, where lead was being used for an X-ray room. According to police records, the tipster informed the detectives that there was still an extra lead kept in Brian’s office. Ultimately, based on evidence presented by prosecutors, Brian was arrested in September 2022. He was reportedly released on a $500,000 bond in January 2023 but was re-arrested after failing to surrender his passport. Per reports, Brian’s jury trial began in June 2025, and he was convicted of attempted murder in that same month. Ultimately, he was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole on August 27, 2025.
Hannah Has Found Strength in Forgiveness and the Unwavering Support of Family
After his sentencing, Hannah had stated, “I’ve forgiven him, and I just wish that he could change someday to change his ways… for his family and children.” When she was asked if she would someday tell their children about the ordeal, she expressed, “I want to be honest with them, because they do have a right to know the truth.” According to reports, Hannah had filed for divorce from Brian in March 2022, but the divorce proceedings were halted during the trial. As of writing, there is no public information available regarding the status of their divorce. Before her life was marked by danger, Hannah had always thrived academically and had a zeal for creating a unique professional trajectory. Hannah began her higher education at Calhoun Community College.
After her graduation, Hannah followed her passion for helping people and making a difference in the community. It led her to enroll at Athens State University and pursue a teaching degree in Elementary Education. She attained her degree in December 2024 and took the first step in her career. Currently, Hannah is working as a second-grade teacher at Chestnut Grove Elementary School. Beyond her professional pursuits, she is entirely focused on giving her children, Lincoln and Gracie, the life they deserve. In December 2025, Hannah surprised Lincoln and Gracie with an early Christmas present by welcoming a furry pup named Tuxx into their lives. Whether it be celebrating Christmas with her family or simply inviting them over for Thanksgiving dinner, Hannah continues to find immense strength in the presence of her loved ones.
Hannah maintains an incredible bond with her mother, Nicole Mitchell Pettey, father, and brother. They always cheer her on at every step of the way, whether it be a professional or personal milestone. Additionally, she makes sure to shower her nieces with immense affection. In September 2025, she shared that after 4 years and five moves, she and her children were finally back in their own house in Hartselle. Reportedly, Hannah and the kids were granted “exclusive occupancy” of that residence. While expressing her feelings about the matter, in part, she wrote, “I’ve always loved this house, obviously, there are some memories I would rather forget, but I choose to focus on the good ones and do my best to build a lifetime of many more for my kids.” Despite the betrayal she experienced, Hannah continues to focus on the positive aspects of her life and has been walking the path of healing.
