A Michigan mother has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in connection with the 2018 death of her three-year-old son, admitting she allowed years of systemic abuse that led to the child’s killing.
Amanda Maison, 33, and her boyfriend, 28-year-old Maurice Houle, were both charged earlier this year with first-degree murder over the death of Maison’s son, Matthew. During a court hearing last week, Maison acknowledged that while she did not directly commit or witness the fatal assault, she “allowed an environment to exist where Matthew would be systemically abused,” resulting in his death.
Matthew was found dead in the family’s home on February 8, 2018. His autopsy revealed extensive blunt-force trauma and signs of suffocation. Prosecutors described a pattern of “cruel, torturous abuse,” including instances where Matthew’s head was slammed into drywall, he was forced into “military time-outs” on his knees, struck across the face, and deprived of food and water for long periods.
Maison admitted to shoving her son’s head into a wall and concealing his injuries from authorities. She also confessed to helping Houle cover up the circumstances of Matthew’s death and lying to Child Protective Services and law enforcement for years.
Prosecutors alleged that the couple had discussed killing Matthew to “make room” for a new child of their own. Houle reportedly told investigators he disciplined the boy through “military time-outs” and was violent toward police when arrested earlier this year.
As part of her plea deal, Maison has agreed to testify truthfully against Houle, whose trial is scheduled for early 2026. She faces the possibility of life in prison but will not be sentenced until after Houle’s case concludes.
Matthew’s grandparents, David and Amy Maison, who have long campaigned for justice, said in a statement that the plea marked “a significant step forward in holding those responsible accountable.”
“This is not closure,” said Assistant Prosecutor Joshua Sparling, “but it’s justice for Matthew — and he deserves nothing less.”
If you suspect or witness child abuse, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 or visit www.childhelp.org. In an emergency, call 911.
