Elizabeth Dubois, 43, from Michigan, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the 2019 murder of her 19-year-old son, Austin Raymond. The teenager died from complications related to a rare and treatable form of throat cancer after his mother denied him medical care for years despite obvious signs of illness.
The Crime and the Trial
Lapeer County Circuit Court Judge Michael Nolan handed down the mandatory life sentence after Dubois was found guilty of felony murder and first-degree child abuse in January. Additionally, she was sentenced to 15 to 25 years on the child abuse conviction, to be served concurrently with the life sentence.
Austin had been suffering from chordoma, a rare form of malignant bone cancer, since 2016. Despite his worsening condition and his repeated requests for help, his mother refused to seek medical treatment for him.
Austin had developed a large lump on his neck and experienced significant difficulty eating and speaking. Despite these obvious signs, Dubois insisted that he was “fine”, according to testimony.
Worsening Condition and Lack of Care
Austin first noticed symptoms in July 2016. By November of that year, he could no longer eat solid food. Child Protective Services (CPS) became involved when the teen’s condition continued to deteriorate.
Although CPS directed Dubois to seek medical care for her son, it was Austin’s stepfather and other family members who ultimately took him to medical appointments, where doctors recommended immediate treatment from specialists.
The lack of medical attention led to Austin’s condition worsening, and by the time he was diagnosed with chordoma, the cancer had progressed. Prosecutors argued that earlier medical intervention could have treated or even cured the disease.
The Court Proceedings
Lapeer County Prosecutor John Miller called Dubois’ neglect “intentional” and “egregious”, pointing out that Dubois had made repeated excuses for not seeking treatment, including financial constraints and lack of time. However, the evidence showed that Austin’s requests for help were consistently ignored.
In May 2019, Austin died at the age of 19 from complications related to the cancer, weighing only 83 pounds at the time of his death. Evidence presented in court included testimony from Austin, who described how his condition worsened while his pleas for help went unanswered.
Legal Outcome
During sentencing, Judge Nolan rejected a request from Dubois’ defense attorney to set aside the jury’s verdict. Dubois has the option to file an appeal, though her life sentence without the possibility of parole remains in effect.
Victim’s Family Impact
The case has sparked widespread outrage over the failure to provide medical care for a sick child. Austin’s death serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of neglect, and the failure of a mother to fulfill her responsibility to protect and care for her child.
