Emotional testimony from the Connaways in Hutton trial

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — It was an emotional day in the Michael Hutton trial. His victim, Hannah Connaway, took the stand but only for a short time.

Before Hannah took the stand, her mother testified. Cindy Connaway said her daughter has been very changed by the incident.

“My daughter died that night in the hospital. We brought home a new daughter,” said Connaway.

She went on to talk about needing to be a caregiver for her teenage daughter, helping her with everything from bathing to using the restroom for weeks after the incident.

When Hannah took the stand, both she and the defendant burst into tears. Hannah told the court she couldn’t remember anything from that weekend.

Hannah is now a student at UNCW and said she would like to become an English professor. However, after the incident, her memory is not what it used to be and studying is a challenge.

Hannah’s neurosurgeon, Dr. George Alsina, also testified. He spoke about the medical procedures performed on Hannah after the incident. Sexual assault nurse, Colleen Mistovich, spoke about Hannah’s injuries on the night she came to New Hanover Regional.