A Firefighter’s Unwavering Testimony: Justice for Adrianna
Twenty-four years old and a dedicated firefighter, AJ Hutto carries a heavy burden from his childhood. Nearly two decades ago, at the tender age of seven, he provided the pivotal testimony that led to the conviction of his biological mother, Amanda Lewis, for the murder of his seven-year-old sister, Adrianna.
The Heartbreaking Testimony of a Seven-Year-Old
A chilling account in court
In a Florida courtroom in 2008, AJ recounted the horrific moment he witnessed his mother drown his sister in their backyard pool. His testimony, delivered with the unwavering clarity of a child who had seen something terrible, included a poignant detail: a child’s drawing depicting three figures by the pool, accompanied by his handwritten words, “She did” and “To Bad,” signifying “she died” and “it was scary.” This powerful visual evidence, along with his testimony, became instrumental in the case.
A judge’s crucial decision
Despite his young age, the judge, Allen Register, deemed AJ a competent witness. This decision, while controversial to some who questioned the potential influence of prosecutors, remained steadfast, based on the compelling nature of AJ’s testimony. His statement to the police – “Mama dunked my sister” – following the incident, and backed by recorded interviews, highlighted the horrific nature of the crime.
The Aftermath: Conviction and a New Life
Amanda Lewis was found guilty of first-degree murder and child abuse, receiving a life sentence without parole, plus an additional 30 years. She has persistently maintained her innocence, attributing Adrianna’s death to an accident. However, the autopsy revealed bruising on Adrianna’s face consistent with a handprint, strengthening the case against Lewis. The family’s home was described as being in deplorable condition, lacking essential resources for the children, further painting a bleak picture of their living situation.
A fresh start
Following the trial, AJ was adopted and has since forged a remarkably successful life for himself. He now serves as a firefighter, is married, and has completely severed ties with his biological mother. He intentionally avoids using the term “mother” when referring to Lewis, stating that his early life with her was characterized by “darkness, trauma, and a lot of abuse,” both physical and emotional. He vividly contrasts this with his adoptive family, describing the difference as “night and day.”
An Ongoing Legal Battle and Unwavering Conviction
Lewis continues her fight for exoneration, recently engaging a new attorney and pursuing efforts to reopen her case. She has reportedly passed a polygraph test and previously declined a plea bargain for manslaughter, opting instead to fight for her freedom. Despite these legal maneuvers, and despite the initial belief by authorities that the drowning may have been an accident, AJ remains resolute. He states unequivocally: “I know what I saw. I lived it.” His unwavering testimony stands as a powerful testament to the enduring impact of childhood trauma and his unwavering pursuit of justice for his sister.
