A Michigan mother, 33-year-old Amanda Maison, and her 28-year-old ex-boyfriend, Maurice Houle, have been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the 2018 death of 3-year-old Matthew Maison. Maison and Houle allegedly abused Matthew for years before killing him to "make room" for a new child the two could have together.
Videos by Wide Open Country
The St. Clair County Sheriff's Office
announced on April 11 that Maison and Houle were arrested in relation to Matthew Maison's death, which took place on February 18, 2018. The sheriff's office cites "significant recent developments" as the reason for the arrests. On April 14, both suspects were arraigned on first-degree murder charges. They pleaded guilty to their charges and were denied bond.According to the Times Herald, Matthew Maison was found dead in his bed on February 18, 2018. A 2021 autopsy determined that his death was caused by homicide. Medical Examiner Daniel Spitz wrote, "The extent, severity and distribution of the traumatic injuries is indicative of inflicted trauma."
Despite this, no charges were filed at the time of Matthew's death.
Alleged Admission Of Guilt
According to ClickOnDetroit, Amanda Maison and Maurice Houle allegedly admitted to police that they had abused Matthew over the years. Among the alleged abuses Matthew suffered, he would have his head smashed against drywall by her mother, and Houle would place a pillow over the boy's face. Allegedly, Matthew was even locked inside his room for hours without any food or water.
St. Clair County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Joshua Sparling alleged in court that Maison and Houle abused and eventually killed Matthew to "make room for a child that the two of them could have together," according to ClickOnDetroit.
Following Matthew's death, his maternal grandfather and step-grandmother, David and Amy Maison, openly advocated for charges to be filed. Finally, after seven long years, their wishes became true. Amy took to Facebook to communicate the good news, saying that this is the first step toward justice.
"The fight is far from over — this is just the beginning," Amy Maison
wrote. "We deeply appreciate each and every one of you in Matthew's Army. Words cannot fully express the enormous support we feel from all of you."In addition to the murder charge, Maurice Houle was also charged with assaulting/resisting arrest. Allegedly, Houle injured one of the eight officers who arrested him during a violent brawl.
