A Michigan mother has admitted to her role in the death of her three-year-old son after years of documented abuse. Amanda Maison, 33, pleaded guilty to second-degree homicide in connection with the 2018 death of her son, Matthew Maison, in Port Huron Township.

Matthew was discovered unresponsive by his babysitter on February 18, 2018. His mother and her then-boyfriend, Maurice Houle, were later arrested. An autopsy showed the child died from extensive injuries. Prosecutors say both adults admitted to mistreating the boy before his death.

During her plea hearing on November 5, Maison told the court she had been in a two-year relationship with Houle at the time. She admitted she allowed the abuse to continue and hid the child’s injuries from authorities.
She also confessed to taking part in physical punishment and to helping conceal the cause of Matthew’s death from police and child protection agencies.

According to the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, investigators uncovered a long pattern of abuse beginning in 2016. Prosecutors say Matthew was repeatedly harmed, left without food or water for extended periods, and subjected to frightening “discipline” methods. Authorities say Maison and Houle created false stories to explain the boy’s previous injuries.

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Joshua Sparling called the case “extremely serious,” describing Matthew as a child who endured prolonged suffering.

Prosecutors allege the couple planned to remove Matthew from their lives to make room for a future child together—an accusation supported by statements made during the investigation.

Maison initially faced a first-degree murder charge but agreed to plead guilty to second-degree homicide. As part of her plea deal, she will testify against Houle, whose trial is scheduled for early 2026.