A mother and her former partner stand accused of causing the death of her three-year-old child to create space for a child they planned to have together. The tragic incident took place in Port Huron Township, Michigan, where the lifeless body of young Matthew Maison was discovered by his caretakers on February 18, 2018. Amanda Maison and Maurice Houle, who was in a relationship with Amanda at the time of the incident, were apprehended in connection with the child’s demise. Autopsy results revealed that Matthew succumbed to severe injuries from physical trauma and potential suffocation.
The pair reportedly confessed to mistreating the child upon their arrest, according to prosecutors. Amanda Maison, aged 33, has admitted guilt to a charge of second-degree homicide concerning her son’s death. During her court appearance on November 5, she acknowledged her role in the abuse inflicted on Matthew. Maison disclosed that she and Houle, 28 at the time of arrest, had been in a relationship since early 2016 until Matthew’s tragic passing.
In a shocking revelation, Maison testified that she facilitated Houle’s abusive behavior towards her child and actively participated in concealing the abuse from authorities. She further confessed to collaborating with Houle to hide the true cause of Matthew’s death from law enforcement. Authorities uncovered a disturbing scheme where the couple fabricated stories to explain Matthew’s injuries. Houle was reported to have physically assaulted the child, deprived him of food and water, and even simulated suffocation with a pillow.
St Clair County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Joshua Sparling described the case as profoundly serious, emphasizing the prolonged abuse Matthew endured from both defendants. Sparling also alleged a sinister plan orchestrated by the couple to eliminate Matthew to pave the way for their future child. Maison confessed to neglecting medical appointments for Matthew to conceal his injuries.
Initially charged with first-degree murder in April, both defendants pleaded not guilty. However, Maison altered her plea to guilty of second-degree homicide on November 5 and agreed to testify against Houle in his upcoming trial set for early 2026.