PORT HURON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A toddler’s death investigation spanning multiple years takes a significant turn.
In 2018, Matthew Maison died at three years old.
His mother, Amanda Maison, and her then-boyfriend, Maurice Houle, are facing first-degree murder charges after being arrested by the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities cited significant recent developments in the case.
The pair appeared before a judge through a virtual hearing for an arraignment on Monday.
St. Clair County prosecutors believe the pair were involved in the abuse that led to his death.
“On this occasion, he was beaten within an inch of his life,” said Assistant Prosecutor Joshua Sparling. “He was murdered that night under the care and guidance of Maurice and Amanda.”
During the court proceedings, Sparling detailed the horrific conditions the toddler endured. He described how the mother admitted to lying about the abuse and how she had previously covered for Maurice Houle, who was also accused of being cruel and abusive toward her son.
Read more -- Matthew Maison murder case: Evidence of abuse by mother, former boyfriend shared in court
“She admitted to us during those prosecutorial subpoenas that Maurice was extremely cruel and abusive to Matthew for a long period of time,” Sparling said.
The prosecution outlined a pattern of abuse, including incidents where the child was physically harmed and deprived of basic needs. “Matthew suffered years of abuse at the hands of both defendants,” Sparling explained. “He was subjected to very cruel, torturous child abuse and punishment.”
Magistrate Dennis J. Rickert denied bond for Amanda Maison and Maurice Houle after prosecutors asserted the duo lied and enlisted the help of the then-boyfriend’s mother to corroborate their story.
The case has garnered significant attention, with community members rallying for justice.
Rose Coleman, a friend of the family, emphasized the importance of keeping Matthew’ Maison’s story alive.
“If you don’t constantly keep it up and make it aware, I feel like people…everything gets shoved down under the rug sometimes,” Coleman said.
For seven years, family and friends in St. Clair County have supported the little boy’s grandparents, all waiting for this moment.
Coleman expressed hope for the future.
“I feel like we’re just beginning,” she said
