Justice for Matthew Maison: The Tragic Death of a 3-Year-Old Boy in Michigan
In a heartbreaking case that has once again shaken public trust in the child protection system, two Michigan residents—Amanda Maison and Maurice Houle—have been charged with the murder of Amanda’s 3-year-old son, Matthew Maison. The case, which dates back to 2018, resurfaced in April 2025 when new evidence led to their arrest and formal prosecution. This article explores the timeline, legal developments, and broader implications of the case while highlighting the urgent need for systemic reforms in child protection and domestic violence prevention.
Who Was Matthew Maison?
Matthew Maison was a 3-year-old boy living in Port Huron Township, Michigan. Those who knew him described him as a happy child with bright eyes and a gentle spirit. On February 18, 2018, Matthew was found dead in his bed. At the time, the cause of death was unclear, and no charges were filed.
However, the circumstances surrounding his death have since come under renewed scrutiny. Nearly seven years later, in April 2025, prosecutors charged Amanda Maison and her then-boyfriend, Maurice Houle, with first-degree murder based on what investigators now describe as a pattern of deliberate and escalating abuse.
The Arrest and Charges
On April 11, 2025, Amanda Maison, now 33, and Maurice Houle, 28, were arrested and charged with first-degree felony murder in connection with Matthew’s death. According to prosecutors, the couple intentionally killed Matthew to “make room” for a new child they planned to raise together.
Court documents and sworn testimony revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse. Investigators allege that the child was subjected to “military-style punishments,” starvation, and even smothering. Amanda allegedly admitted to police that she slammed Matthew’s head into a wall so forcefully that the drywall cracked. Both suspects reportedly blamed each other during police interrogations.
What Happened to Matthew?
The forensic evidence paints a grim picture. According to the St. Clair County Prosecutor’s Office, Matthew suffered blunt force trauma, dehydration, and signs consistent with suffocation. A babysitter found him unresponsive in bed, and despite efforts by emergency services, he was declared dead at the scene.
Medical examiners determined that the cause of death was consistent with long-term abuse rather than accidental injury or natural causes. This conclusion was crucial in reopening the investigation and pursuing murder charges years later.
Legal Proceedings
On April 14, 2025, Maison and Houle appeared before the 72nd District Court in St. Clair County for arraignment. Both were denied bond due to the severity of the charges and the flight risk they posed. They chose not to enter pleas at that time.
Preliminary hearings were scheduled for April 22 and April 29. A third hearing is expected to occur on May 13, 2025, during which more details from the prosecution and defense will be presented. The couple is facing potential life sentences without parole if convicted.
Additionally, Houle is facing separate charges for allegedly assaulting multiple law enforcement officers during his arrest, further complicating his legal situation.
Public Reaction and Advocacy
The case has generated a significant public response, especially from child advocacy groups and local residents. A Facebook group titled Justice for Matthew has gained traction as a platform for community members to express grief, share updates, and call for accountability.
Many are questioning why it took seven years for charges to be filed, especially since Child Protective Services (CPS) reportedly had prior contact with the family. Advocates argue that signs of abuse were either overlooked or inadequately followed up on by social workers and law enforcement agencies.
The Role of Child Protective Services
The Maison case has reignited debate around the effectiveness of CPS in preventing child abuse. Reports suggest that CPS had interacted with the family before Matthew’s death, but the interventions were either insufficient or poorly enforced.
Experts are now calling for:
- Improved CPS training and resources.
- Better coordination between law enforcement and social workers.
- Mandatory follow-ups in suspected abuse cases.
- More public awareness campaigns on identifying abuse symptoms.
This tragedy underscores the urgent need for reforms not only in Michigan but nationwide. Matthew’s death is not an isolated case—it is part of a disturbing pattern of preventable child fatalities linked to domestic violence and systemic oversight failures.
Media Coverage and Legal Transparency
The case has been widely reported by both local and national outlets. These include detailed articles, courtroom footage, and legal analysis. News organizations such as People, Law & Crime, and ABC News have followed the story closely, offering insights into court proceedings and prosecutor statements.
In a press release, the St. Clair County Prosecutor’s Office emphasized their commitment to pursuing justice for Matthew, noting that the new evidence, including autopsy findings and witness testimony, was critical in reopening the case.
Conclusion: A Call for Justice
Matthew Maison’s tragic death serves as a sobering reminder of how vulnerable children are to domestic abuse, especially when caregivers become the abusers. The decision by Amanda Maison and Maurice Houle to allegedly end the life of a 3-year-old to “make room” for a new child is not just shocking—it’s emblematic of deep failures in both parenting and social oversight.
This case is still ongoing, and more details will emerge as court proceedings continue. However, what’s already clear is that systemic change is needed—now more than ever.
Sources
- People: Mom and Boyfriend Allegedly Killed 3-Year-Old to ‘Make Room’ for Baby
- Law & Crime: Mom and Boyfriend Murdered 3-Year-Old with ‘Military Time-Outs’ and Beatings
- YouTube: Matthew Maison Murder Charges Court Hearing – April 2025
- ABC News Michigan Local Coverage