Mother of burned woman not allowed to see grandchildren

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

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Lisa Brown flew in from Texas to see her grandchildren, but cannot do so until a background check is performed on her.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- The mother of a woman who police say was set on fire by her husband on Nov. 18 has not yet been permitted to see her grandchildren.

Lisa Brown, the mother of Audrey Mabrey, flew in from Texas last week to be at the bedside of her daughter, who is in critical condition.

Police say Mabrey's husband, Christopher Hanney, set her on fire during a domestic dispute.

Mabrey's two children, who are 11 months and 4 years old, were at a babysitter's house when Mabrey was burned. Hillsborough County child protection investigators said they have kept the children with the babysitter because they know her.

Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office spokesman Larry McKinnon said they understand Brown's situation, but procedures must be followed for the children's safety.

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"We will eventually try to make those arrangements if that's in the best interest of the children," McKinnon said. "However, thorough backgrounds have to be done on this relative."

McKinnon said even though the babysitter isn't a blood relative, the kids are safe.

"This is not your typical 16-year-old that you bring over to your house to watch your children while you go out to the movies," McKinnon said. "This is a adult couple who've been interacting with the children since they've been born."

Because of the Thanksgiving holiday, the sheriff's office said more than likely the case won't be handled until next week. The sheriff's office said they are working with officials in Texas to do the background checks as quickly as possible.

A Tuesday appointment for Brown to be interviewed by an investigator was cancelled. The sheriff's office said that was due to an emergency in an unrelated case.

Brown said she understands why there are procedures for getting custody, but doesn't understand why she can't have at least a supervised visit.

Mabrey is still unable to speak because she is sedated and on a ventilator. Her husband, Chris Hanney, is being held in jail without bond on attempted murder charges.