A Michigan mother has pleaded guilty to killing her 3-year-old son, a case that authorities say involved years of systematic abuse by her and her boyfriend.
Amanda Mae Maison, 33, entered a guilty plea on Wednesday to second-degree murder in the 2018 death of her young son, Matthew Maison. As part of a deal with prosecutors, Maison will also testify against her former boyfriend, Maurice Houle, who faces first-degree murder charges in the case.
According to the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, Maison admitted that from 2016 until Matthew’s death in 2018, she and Houle subjected the child to repeated abuse. She also acknowledged intentionally hiding his injuries from Child Protective Services and law enforcement.
During the plea hearing, Maison revealed that she physically harmed Matthew herself. She admitted to pushing the boy’s head into a wall during what she called a “military time-out.”
Following the hearing, Maison’s bond was revoked, and she was remanded to St. Clair County Jail. Second-degree murder carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.
“Matthew is finally beginning to get the justice he deserves,” Sheriff Mat King said in a statement. “Although this is not the end, I am confident justice will be served.”
Matthew was found dead in his bed on February 18, 2018, at the family’s Port Huron Township home. Prosecutors have said the child endured years of abuse at the hands of both Maison and Houle, including repeated “military time-outs” where Matthew was forced to kneel with his hands on his head and repeatedly struck against the wall.
During the investigation, authorities also learned that Maison had retracted earlier reports to CPS about Houle abusing Matthew, and the couple allegedly planned to have another child, seeing Matthew as an obstacle. Prosecutors argued that this plan contributed to the tragic outcome.
The sheriff’s office praised the dedication of investigators over the past seven years, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring justice for Matthew.
Both parents should be imprisoned for life
At LEAST!