The mother of 3-year-old Matthew Maison has pleaded guilty to second-degree homicide, seven years after her son was killed.
33-year-old Amanda Maison admitted Wednesday in St. Clair County Circuit Court that she witnessed her ex-boyfriend, Maurice Houle, abuse Matthew and helped conceal the abuse from authorities. She also admitted to contributing to an environment that allowed the ongoing abuse, which prosecutors say ultimately resulted in her son’s death.
As part of a plea deal, Amanda Maison agreed to testify against Houle, who is charged with first-degree murder and is currently awaiting trial. Maison herself remains in custody at the St. Clair County Jail and faces up to life in prison. Sentencing is not yet scheduled but will follow a presentence investigation ordered by Circuit Court Judge Cynthia Lane.
The St. Clair County Prosecutor’s Office says the plea brings long-awaited progress in a case that sparked the widespread “Justice for Matthew” campaign.
