PORT HURON TOWNSHIP, MI – A local Michigan woman has entered a guilty plea to second-degree murder in the death of her three-year-old son, part of a plea agreement that involves testifying against her former partner, officials reported.
Amanda Mae Maison, 33, accepted responsibility for her role in the prolonged abuse of her son, Matthew Maison, culminating in his tragic death in 2018. Her guilty plea, announced Wednesday, requires her testimony against Maurice Houle, who faces first-degree murder charges in the same case.
The case unfolded over several years, with Maison and Houle accused of repeatedly harming the young child from 2016 until his death. Maison’s admissions included her efforts to hide Matthew’s injuries from child welfare and law enforcement, to whom she lied during their investigations.
In a horrifying detail shared in court records, Maison described an incident where she subjected Matthew to a so-called “military timeout” by forcing his head against a wall. This is one of many brutal punishments the child endured at the hands of the adults trusted to care for him.
On February 18, 2018, the day Matthew was found deceased in his bed at their Port Huron Township residence, he bore visible signs of physical abuse, including bruises and a black eye, sparking an intensive homicide investigation.
During the investigation, it was revealed that Matthew’s grandfather had contacted Child Protective Services after learning of Houle’s violent behavior towards the boy. Although Maison initially corroborated these claims to her father, she later changed her account when questioned by authorities, cutting ties with her father as a result.
Evidence presented later in court painted a grim picture of the couple’s treatment of Matthew. Both adults confessed to meting out severe punishments, including forcing the boy to kneel for extended periods in the so-called “military timeouts” and even attempting to smother him with a pillow.
Legal proceedings brought to light a sinister motive behind the abuse, suggesting that Maison and Houle viewed Matthew as a barrier to their plans of starting a new family together. This included actions such as terminating a subsequent pregnancy, with the implication that they intended to “make room” for a future child born to both of them.
In a notable decision, the judge allowed the introduction of evidence related to the couple’s decision to terminate the pregnancy, underscoring its relevance to the motive behind Matthew’s ill-treatment and death.
As this case continues to unfold, the local community and law enforcement praise the persistent efforts of all involved in bringing the disturbing details to light and seeking justice for Matthew.
Maison remains in custody awaiting her sentencing, her testimony poised to be crucial in the upcoming trial of Houle. As these legal proceedings progress, the tragedy of Matthew Maison remains a poignant reminder of the vital role that protective agencies play in safeguarding vulnerable children.