FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE
From: Sheriff Todd Entrekin Date: February 22, 2012
Etowah County Sheriff’s Office
MURDER ARRESTS
Arrests have been made in the death of a 9 year old Etowah County child.
“Joyce Hardin Garrard, 46, and Jessica Mae Hardin, 27, were both arrested and charged with murder in connection to the death of Savannah Hardin,” states Captain Jeremy Walker. “Both women are from the Carlisle community.”
Joyce Garrard is the child’s grandmother and Jessica Hardin is her step-mother.
Evidence shows that Garrard was allegedly planning to punish Savannah for lying to her. Savannah was supposedly told to run and was not allowed to stop. This incident took place Friday, February 17th, at 20 Carlisle Acres Drive and lasted approximately 3 hours.
A 9-1-1 call was made by Jessica Hardin, at approximately 6:45 p.m., stating that Savannah was having a seizure and was unresponsive.
The young girl died Monday at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham. Her body was sent to Huntsville for an autopsy. Savannah’s death was ruled a homicide by a state pathologist. Preliminary reports show Savannah was extremely dehydrated and had a very low sodium level.
Sheriff Todd Entrekin adds, “It’s sad when a family is grieving over the death of a daughter and granddaughter and so soon to find out that the death could have been prevented. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.”
The Sheriff’s Office became involved after concerned citizens called and described to investigators what they witnessed.
“We have always said that we (Sheriff’s Office) will protect the rights of those who can defend themselves,” Sheriff Entrekin continues. “We will continue to work this case to the end until justice prevails.”
Savannah was a 3rd grade student at Carlisle Elementary School.
Garrard and Hardin are being held in the Etowah County Detention Center on $500,000 cash bond.
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