Michigan – A Michigan parent and her then-partner were taken into custody and later charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of the woman’s child, Mathew. The charges stem from a prolonged investigation into the child’s death several years ago in Michigan.
The case began when babysitters discovered the 3-year-old child unresponsive in his bed. An autopsy revealed signs of prolonged abuse, including malnutrition and head trauma. Investigators found that the child had been subjected to severe mistreatment, such as being locked in a room without food or water and being smothered with a pillow. The child’s mom, 33-year-old Ammanda, allegedly admitted to forcefully hitting her child’s head against drywall, causing significant damage. Both defendants, 33-year-old Ammanda and 28-year-old Mayrice (SEE PHOTO), confessed to the abuse during police interrogations.
Prosecutors allege that the motive behind the abuse and eventual killing was to “make space” for a child the couple planned to have together. Following their arrest, both defendants pleaded not guilty and are being held without bond. The man faces an additional charge for assaulting an officer during his arrest.
The victim’s grandparents have been vocal advocates for justice since his death. They organized rallies and created a Facebook group titled “Justice for Mathew” to raise awareness and pressure authorities to act. Their efforts included peaceful demonstrations and outreach to local officials, highlighting the lack of progress in the case over the years.
The family’s pursuit of justice was further fueled by a previous tragedy involving the woman’s brother. In 2015, the couple was convicted of first-degree murder and child abuse in the death of their five-year-old daughter, Maison, who died from starvation and pneumonia. This history of familial abuse underscored the urgency of addressing Mathew’s case.
Authorities in Michigan described the abuse 3-year-old endured as cruel, explaining that the child was forced to kneel in timeouts during which his head was slammed against drywall. He was also reportedly locked in his room for long stretches without access to food or water.
There was an earlier incident where the mother’s then-partner placed a pillow over the child’s face, claiming it was in jest. The autopsy confirmed that the child died from a combination of blunt force trauma and suffocation, his injuries were extensive and fatal. The woman allegedly told police she would hit the child’s head against the drywall so forceful” that it would remove the backing of the drywall itself.
Authorities further revealed that the abuse was not only severe but premeditated. Investigators believe the couple planned the child’s death to make space in their lives for a child of their own. Medical examiners concluded that the child was likely beaten and choked, ruling his death a homicide.
As the legal proceedings continue, the community remains engaged, with many hoping that the charges against Amanda and Houle will bring closure to a case that has haunted the region for years. The next court appearances for both defendants are pending, and they face the possibility of life imprisonment if convicted.