Former Chiropractor Sentenced for Attempted Murder
A former chiropractor from Alabama received a life sentence on Wednesday for administering lead-contaminated vitamins to his wife during their divorce.
Brian Thomas Mann, 36, was found guilty of attempted murder in June after it was revealed he had used lead sourced from his office’s renovated X-ray room in the vitamins he gave to 26-year-old Hanna Pettey.
Pettey began taking these vitamins in the summer of 2021 as their contentious divorce unfolded, hoping to bolster her immune system amid the strain it caused her health.
Mann’s contractor, Danny Hill, testified that lead was left over from the remodeling of Mann’s office, particularly from the X-ray room’s walls.
During her ordeal, Pettey spent two months in the hospital after experiencing severe lead poisoning. At one point, doctors found she had eight times the normal amount of lead in her system, leading to significant health complications.
While she eventually recovered, Pettey lost 40 pounds and faced ongoing issues related to lead exposure. Alarmingly, Mann reportedly urged her to take out additional life insurance policies during this difficult time.
Authorities started investigating her unusual illness after discovering the dangerous levels of lead in her body. It became evident that she had been unknowingly consuming lead particles.
Initially, Mann cooperated with police, turning over the vitamins. However, he soon attempted to redirect blame, even claiming to a nurse that he had “drawn an X-ray” on himself and spotted lead.
Under pressure, Mann grew visibly anxious when the nurse suggested a second X-ray; this scan indicated materials linked to the issues he was facing. Authorities eventually received an anonymous tip that corroborated suspicions about the lead from his office renovation.
If Pettey had died, Mann would have collected a staggering $1 million in life insurance, which raised serious concerns about his intentions.
Mann was arrested in September 2022, months after he had seemingly plotted against his wife. The judge imposed the maximum sentence, emphasizing that Mann’s actions showed a blatant disregard for Pettey’s life.
“This case offers insight into Brian Mann’s character,” the judge stated, suggesting that Mann may have prioritized financial gain over his wife’s welfare.
