New information comes forth: In a deeply disturbing case that has resurfaced nearly seven years later, shocking new revelations have emerged in Michigan concerning the tragic death of a 3-year-old boy named Matthew Maison. The child’s mother, Amanda Maison, 33, and her then-boyfriend, Maurice Houle, 28, are now facing first-degree murder charges for allegedly killing the toddler in 2018.
During a recent sentencing hearing, prosecutors revealed more facts about the couple’s alleged calculated and terrible plan to kill Matthew so they could someday have a shared child without incurring additional costs. If found guilty, both suspects could face life in prison.
According to St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office investigations, Amanda Maison discovered Matthew unresponsive in his bed on February 18, 2018, at their Port Huron Township home. However, prosecutors claim that this was not an isolated episode, but rather the culmination of years of abuse.
Courtroom footage from the preliminary hearing indicated that both Maison and Houle acknowledged to abusing Matthew at various periods. Assistant Prosecutor Josh Sparling added that the couple “conjured up” lies regarding Matthew’s injuries and attempted to deceive investigators from the beginning.
According to the original detective on the case, Matthew had significant bruises and a black eye when he arrived at the apartment. More concerning was the discovery that Matthew’s grandfather had previously phoned kid Protective Services (CPS) when Amanda alleged Houle had beaten the kid for spilling food. Amanda eventually withdrew her claims and cut connections with her father.
According to testimony from the original investigation and current interviews conducted in April 2025, Matthew was subjected to severe punishment. Houle admits to subjecting the youngster to “military time-outs,” which included kneeling with hands on his head. According to prosecutors, Matthew’s head was sometimes pounded against a wall.
In new interviews, both Amanda and Houle accused each other of attempting to smother Matthew with a pillow. Amanda further claimed that Houle was responsible for the actual killing and had even asked her to “take the fall” to protect him from prison.
Judge John Monaghan allowed the prosecution to present evidence about Amanda’s prior pregnancy with Houle’s child, which was aborted due to financial reasons. Prosecutors argue this points to a motive: they allegedly saw Matthew as an obstacle to having another child together.
Prosecutors insist the couple planned Matthew’s death to clear the way for a new baby. Despite objections from Maison’s legal team, Judge Monaghan found that there was enough evidence to proceed with charges in circuit court.
No official date has been set yet for the circuit court proceedings, but the case continues to spark outrage and heartbreak throughout Michigan and beyond.
