Hannah Pettey was a 25-year-old mother living in Morgan County, Alabama, when her world was turned upside down. At the time, she was married to local chiropractor Brian Mann, with whom she shared a family, including at least two young children. Described by those close to her as warm, intelligent, and caring, Hannah had devoted herself to her children and home life, even as her marriage showed signs of strain.
By 2021, the marriage had entered a turbulent phase. Hannah and Brian were undergoing a difficult divorce, but nothing could have prepared her for what was to come. In the midst of personal upheaval, she began to suffer from a baffling and progressively debilitating illness that would reveal a nightmare few could imagine.
- “The Gaslighting of Hannah Pettey”: 48 Hours Reports January 10 2026
- Who Is Brian Thomas Mann & Where Is He Now? 2026 Update & Background
A Mysterious Illness
Hannah’s symptoms began gradually—fatigue, nausea, and extreme weight loss. Over time, the condition worsened to the point where she could no longer care for herself or her children. Her once-normal life became dominated by medical tests and hospital visits. In January 2022, she was admitted to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) where doctors made a shocking discovery: Hannah was suffering from acute lead poisoning.
The levels of lead found in her system were described as “astronomical.” Specialists were alarmed, stating the amount of metal in her large intestine could not be the result of environmental exposure. She remained in the hospital for nearly two months, undergoing extensive treatment, including colon irrigation, to remove the toxic particles.
Despite the physical pain, the emotional toll was equally devastating. Hannah couldn’t understand how she had become so ill—until the investigation began to point inward, toward her own home.
The Shocking Discovery
Authorities quickly realized this was no ordinary case of accidental poisoning. The pattern of symptoms, combined with the sheer amount of lead in Hannah’s body, raised red flags. Investigators from the Hartselle Police Department, led by then-Lieutenant Alan McDearmond, began to ask hard questions about how and why this had happened.
Eventually, attention turned to Hannah’s husband, Brian Mann. Despite their ongoing divorce, Mann had continued giving Hannah pills under the guise of boosting her immune system. Unbeknownst to her, these capsules were laced with lead—lead that prosecutors say Mann obtained from a construction project at his chiropractic office.
Court records revealed he had five life insurance policies on Hannah totaling $1.3 million and had applied for two more. Prosecutors argued that Mann stood to gain financially if Hannah died. The betrayal was nearly unfathomable: the man she once trusted had allegedly used his knowledge and access to poison her slowly over time.
The Trial and Aftermath
Mann was arrested in September 2022 and charged with attempted murder. During the June 2025 trial, Hannah’s story came to the forefront. She took the stand and recounted months of confusion, illness, and isolation—all while being gaslit into believing she was simply stressed or unwell for unknown reasons. Her testimony, paired with medical records and evidence of the lead-tainted pills, formed the foundation of the state’s case.
The jury found Brian Mann guilty of attempted murder. He was sentenced to life in prison in August 2025. The sentence reflected the premeditated nature of the crime and the devastating impact it had on Hannah’s life.
A Life Reclaimed
Today, Hannah Pettey continues to recover—not just physically, but emotionally and psychologically. While the lead poisoning has left long-term health effects, her resilience and strength have made her a symbol of survival. She has spoken publicly about the importance of recognizing psychological manipulation and gaslighting in relationships, and the need for victims of abuse to trust their instincts and seek help.
Her story, as featured on 48 Hours, is not just a case of true crime but a powerful reminder of the dangers that can exist within domestic life—and the strength it takes to rise above them. Hannah Pettey has emerged not just as a survivor, but as a voice for others who may be suffering in silence.
More “The Gaslighting of Hannah Pettey”
- “The Gaslighting of Hannah Pettey”: 48 Hours Reports January 10 2026
- Who is Hannah Pettey & What Happened to Her? 2026 Update & Background
- Who Is Brian Thomas Mann & Where Is He Now? 2026 Update & Background
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