Michigan Mother and Her Boyfriend Accused of Killing 3-Year-Old to "Make Room" for Their Own Child

Amanda Maison and Maurice Houle have been charged with first-degree murder in the death of 3-year-old Matthew Maison, allegedly to make space for another child.

Port Huron Township, Michigan — A tragic cold case involving the death of a 3-year-old boy has led to murder charges for his mother and her former boyfriend nearly seven years later. On Friday, April 5, authorities announced the arrests of Amanda Maison, 28, and Maurice Houle, 31, in connection with the 2018 killing of young Matthew Maison.

The St. Clair County Sheriff's Office confirmed that both individuals had been charged with first-degree murder following what they described as "significant recent developments" in the case. Houle is also facing three counts of assaulting or obstructing police officers after resisting arrest during the operation.

Matthew was found unresponsive in his bed on the morning of February 18, 2018, inside the family’s home in Port Huron Township. First responders confirmed the child was already deceased when they arrived.

Authorities now say Matthew was the victim of long-term abuse, allegedly inflicted by both Maison and Houle. During a court appearance on Monday, April 8, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Josh Sparling laid out the grim details of the abuse the child endured.

According to Sparling, both defendants admitted during the investigation that the other had abused Matthew. “We came to realize a scheme where both defendants concocted a lie about prior injuries and fabricated an explanation to mislead investigators,” he said.

Sparling told the court that Matthew suffered “cruel, torturous abuse,” including being forced to kneel for extended periods while having his head banged against drywall and being locked in a room for hours without food or water. The abuse allegedly culminated in a chilling incident in which Houle placed a pillow over Matthew’s face under the pretense of play. However, medical evidence would later determine that Matthew died from blunt force trauma and suffocation.

An alarming allegation surfaced during the hearing — that the couple had allegedly planned Matthew’s death to "make room" for a child of their own.

An autopsy performed by St. Clair County Medical Examiner Daniel Spitz found that Matthew’s cause of death was consistent with inflicted trauma and asphyxiation, stating: “The extent, severity, and distribution of the traumatic injuries are indicative of inflicted trauma.”

At the time of Matthew’s death, authorities released little information. The Times Herald later reported that it had filed a Freedom of Information Act request in 2020 for the original 911 call but was told the recording had been deleted as part of the county’s routine system purge.

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If you suspect child abuse, please report it to the Michigan Child Protective Services hotline at 855-444-3911. Every report can make a difference.