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HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Mom Convicted of Poisoning Her Young Son with Salt Spends First Christmas at Home in Seven Years

Airing Friday, December 26 on ABC

This holiday season, mom and wife Hannah Overton gets to do something she has fought for and dreamed of the past seven years - holding her five kids for the first time since being sent to prison for life. Overton spent the past seven holiday seasons in jail, serving time for the 2006 death of her son Andrew, a four-year-old foster child she was in the process of adopting with her husband Larry. She was convicted of intentionally feeding Andrew a mixture of chili seasoning and water and then neglecting to get him medical care when he grew ill. He died of hypernatremia (salt poisoning).

Yet Hannah maintained her innocence. Her husband continued to support her, and her church community rallied around her. Her defenders say Andrew had behavioral and eating problems that caused his acute and rare illness.

Just last week, an appeals court in Texas overturned the conviction, and Overton was released from jail. "20/20" and Juju Chang have had exclusive access to the family throughout seven years of reporting, and only "20/20" cameras were rolling for the first moments she was released. But a state prosecutor is determined to re-try Overton next year for the same crime. Juju Chang's report, "Home for the Holidays" airs on "20/20" on FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26 (10:01-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

"20/20" is anchored by Elizabeth Vargas and David Muir. David Sloan is senior executive producer.