True Crime with Kendall Rae: Wife Survives Husband’s Lead Poison Attempt - The Hannah Petty Case

Episode Release Date: July 17, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of True Crime with Kendall Rae, host Kendall delves into the harrowing yet inspiring survival story of Hannah Petty, who miraculously survived her husband Brian Mann’s sinister attempt to poison her with lead. Kendall's empathetic approach shines as she not only recounts the events but also extends support to Hannah through her foundation, Higher Hope.

"Brian tried to kill Hannah, the mother of his children. It's something unimaginable," says Kendall [01:14].

Mid-Year Update on Higher Hope Foundation

Before diving into the case, Kendall provides an update on her Higher Hope foundation. As of 2025, Higher Hope has processed 18 grants—including 10 Hope grants and 8 Empower Power grants—disbursing a total of $117,441. She proudly announces a new partnership with the nonprofit Our Rescue, which combats sex trafficking and child exploitation globally. Additionally, Kendall introduces a community-driven initiative to name a newly trained detection canine in Colorado, encouraging listener participation through voting [04:00].

"With the help of our Empower grant, we were able to fully fund a dog to be trained and placed here in Colorado," Kendall shares [04:30].

Background on Hannah Petty and Brian Mann

The case centers around Hannah Petty, a 23-year-old mother living in Decatur, Northern Alabama, and her husband Brian Mann, a 34-year-old chiropractor who ran the well-regarded Advanced Chiropractic clinic. Brian was highly respected, with numerous positive reviews praising his professionalism and expertise. However, beneath this façade lay a dangerous secret [09:23].

"Nothing about Brian's behavior raised any red flags initially. He was the last person anyone would suspect," Kendall reflects [09:23].

The Poisoning Attempt

In the summer of 2021, Brian began insisting that Hannah take a multivitamin supplement he provided, purportedly to boost her immune system. Trusting her husband and unaware of his malicious intent, Hannah began taking the vitamins. By August, her health deteriorated rapidly—she lost 40 pounds, experienced severe back and abdominal pain, dizziness, and extreme nausea. Despite her worsening condition, Brian discouraged her from seeking medical help, leveraging his position as a healthcare professional to manipulate and isolate Hannah [13:00].

"Hannah's health was declining rapidly, and Brian didn't want her to seek help," Kendall explains [13:45].

Discovery and Investigation

In January 2022, after nearly six months of suffering, Hannah was hospitalized at the University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) Hospital. Doctors initially suspected stomach cancer but soon diagnosed her with extreme lead poisoning. Hannah was placed in a medically induced coma and spent about two months in the hospital. Her blood lead level was alarmingly high, measured in the 80s—far above the concerning threshold of 10 micrograms per deciliter.

"If Hannah had waited even one more day, she would have already been dead," Kendall emphasizes [15:00].

Brian Mann’s Role and Arrest

Investigators quickly looked into possible sources of lead exposure, with Brian leading them through the house. He claimed that Hannah's only change in routine was the multivitamins he provided and suggested that fast food was the culprit. However, police searches of the home yielded no evidence of lead, prompting further investigation into Brian's actions.

Brian was found to have taken out five life insurance policies totaling $1.3 million on Hannah without her knowledge. This revelation, combined with evidence of lead being used to poison Hannah, led to his arrest in September 2022. Brian attempted to deceive authorities by ingesting small amounts of lead himself to fabricate a narrative of shared poisoning, but inconsistencies in his behavior and evidence led to the conclusion that he had intentionally poisoned Hannah [24:16].

"Brian intentionally ingested lead to create the impression that he was also being poisoned," Kendall states [24:16].

Trial and Verdict

The trial commenced on June 9, 2025, with jury selection underway. Hannah took the stand first, delivering an emotional testimony about her prolonged suffering and Brian’s manipulative tactics to prevent her from seeking medical help. An insurance agent corroborated the suspicious nature of the multiple policies Brian had taken out on Hannah.

The defense attempted to discredit the evidence by questioning the methodology of lead detection. However, the prosecution presented a strong case with seven witnesses, while the defense failed to present any. The jury deliberated briefly before returning a guilty verdict for attempted murder.

"A guilty verdict was reached after just a few hours of deliberation," Kendall recounts [45:37].

Hannah’s Reaction:

"I never thought I'd be where I am today. God spared my life, and I am so grateful," Hannah shared during the verdict announcement [45:37].

Brian's Reaction:

"I just kind of lost it from there. I wasn't expecting my reaction," Brian admitted [45:44].

Aftermath and Current Status

Following the verdict, Brian faced strict bond conditions and was confined to Morgan County Jail pending his sentencing date on August 27, 2025. Due to the gravity of his crimes, Kendall expresses skepticism about Brian's ability to continue his chiropractic practice and his relationship with his children.

Hannah has shown remarkable resilience, successfully recovering from her ordeal and resuming her role as a single mother. In a heartfelt Facebook post from January 2023, Hannah expressed gratitude for her survival and support from her community, while acknowledging the lasting physical and emotional impacts of the poisoning [47:00].

"A single mom and sole provider for two babies is hard, but to be able to say I'm doing it feels amazing," Hannah wrote [47:00].

Final Thoughts

Kendall Rae emphasizes the importance of Hannah's survival and the need for ongoing support for victims of violent crimes. She remains hopeful for Hannah's continued recovery and advocates for stricter measures to prevent such heinous acts. Through her foundation, Kendall continues to extend help to those affected by violent crimes, reinforcing her commitment to justice and healing.

"Brian is facing a sentencing of up to life in prison. I believe he deserves it for what he did to Hannah," Kendall concludes [46:10].

Conclusion

This episode not only highlights the terrifying lengths to which abuse can escalate but also celebrates the strength and resilience of survivors like Hannah Petty. Kendall Rae's dedication to spreading awareness and supporting victims shines through, offering hope and justice for those who need it most.

For more details and to support Hannah through Higher Hope, visit Higher Hope and follow Kendall Rae on her social media platforms linked below.