Matthew Maison: Boy’s mum Amanda Maison pleads guilty to 3yo’s killing to ‘make room’ for another baby

WARNING: Graphic detail

A mother has admitted her role in the killing of her young son, which came after years of systematic physical abuse and amid allegations of a plot to “make room for another child”.

Matthew Maison was three-and-a-half-years-old when he was allegedly murdered at his home in Port Huron Township in Michigan in February 18, 2018.

St Clair County’s Sheriff’s Office said that 33-year-old mother pleaded guilty to the charge of second degree homicide in the death of her son on Friday and now faces the prospect of life behind bars.

Maurice Houle, 28, with whom she had a two year-relationship up until Matthew’s death, has been charged with first degree homicide and is awaiting trial.

Prosecutors alleged at the time of the pair’s arrest in April that Matthew had been killed in a bid to “make room for a child that the two of them could have together”, clickondetroit reported.

St. Clair County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Joshua Sparling alleged Houle would hit the boy across the face, put him in time-out on his knees and bang his head forcefully against the drywall.

He would also allegedly lock Matthew in his room for hours without food or water.

Maison allegedly told investigators numerous times Houle placed a pillow over Matthew’s face.

A written statement from the St Clair County Sheriff’s Office about the court proceedings on Friday said Maison stated that Maurice “physically abused Matthew during their relationship, and that she willingly participated in the intentional concealment of Matthew’s injuries to Child Protective Services and Law Enforcement investigations from 2016 through the 2018 murder investigation.

“Amanda admitted to also participating in the physical abuse of Matthew, stating that she pushed Matthew’s head into a wall in their home, during a “military time out”.

“Further, Amanda admitted that she wilfully and wantonly allowed an environment to exist, where Matthew would be systemically abused, and that those abuses eventually resulted in Matthew’s death.

“Amanda stated that she participated with Maurice Houle in actively contriving a plan to conceal the manner of Matthew’s death from law enforcement.”

Sheriff Mat King said Matthew was “finally beginning to get the justice he deserves”.

“The dedication to this case is unmatched. Although this is not the end, I am confident justice will be served.”

As part of her plea, Maurice is expected to give evidence in Houle’s murder trial, due to be held in early 2026.

If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.

Young people seeking support can phone beyondblue on 1300 22 4636 or go to headspace.org.au.