Boy, 10, Died After Allegedly Being Starved and Bound with Zip Ties. Father, Mother and Grandmother Plead Guilty

In a tragic case stemming from the abuse of a young boy, three family members have pleaded guilty to charges linked to the death of 10-year-old Braxtyn Smith. Earlier this month, Joshua Smith, 35, and Mistie Latourette, 59, entered their guilty pleas in Penobscot County Superior Court, followed closely by the boy’s mother, Jem Bean, who had already confessed to manslaughter in February.

The series of pleas came shortly before Joshua Smith was due to face trial on charges of depraved indifference murder. His admission of guilt marks a significant turn in a case that has shocked the local community and drawn widespread media attention. Mistie Latourette’s plea to manslaughter was accepted just a day after her son’s.

The investigation into Braxtyn’s death began on 18th February 2024 when hospital staff at the Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center reported concerns regarding the boy’s severe malnourishment and remarkable underweight status. The child had been transferred to this facility after previously being examined at St. Joseph’s Hospital, where medical staff also expressed alarm over his condition.

Upon arrival at St. Joseph’s, Braxtyn was observed in a concerning state; he had bruises across his face and body and showed no signs of vital signs. The boy, weighing a mere 48 pounds, raised immediate red flags for the medical professionals involved. A nurse’s report mentioned that his vomit had an unusual odour reminiscent of cat food, raising further suspicions of neglect and mistreatment, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Tragic details emerged during the subsequent autopsy, which indicated Braxtyn reportedly suffered from severe abuse. The medical examiner found burn marks on both his wrist and foot, along with evidence of significant trauma, including bilateral subdural haemorrhaging and brain herniation. Additionally, the examination revealed pressure ulcers, signs of malnutrition, and contusions that fit the profile of battered child syndrome.

Reportedly, Bean had claimed that Braxtyn would exhibit “tantrums” and that she and Joshua would use zip ties to secure him to a chair during these instances. An account provided in the affidavit recounted a specific incident in which the family bound Braxtyn’s ankles to a kitchen chair while securing his hands behind his back.

Witnesses mentioned to investigators that Braxtyn, who was homeschooled by his mother and grandmother, had resorted to eating out of trash bins and even consuming pet food. This disturbing information has compounded the allegations of neglect and abusive behaviour towards the young boy.

Assistant Attorney General Leanne Robbin indicated that further testimony could have revealed that Braxtyn was forced to sleep in a bathroom, bound with zip ties. “Jem Bean would testify that they made Braxtyn sleep in the bathroom with no more than a blanket, with his ankles zip-tied to a tote and his hands tied behind his back,” Robbin explained.

Mistie Latourette, the grandmother, played an active role in the abuse. The prosecution highlighted her contribution to concealing the boy’s injuries, which included making him wear sunglasses in public to hide his bruised face. The defence for Latourette argued that while she did buy zip ties and suggested withholding meals for punishment, these actions alone were not directly linked to Braxtyn’s death. Her attorney stated that she acknowledges the poor choices she made and has chosen to accept responsibility by pleading guilty to manslaughter.

The case of Braxtyn Smith has raised questions about child protection systems, family responsibilities, and the severe consequences of neglect. As details continue to emerge, the community has been left grappling with the heartbreaking implications of such a preventable tragedy. The legal proceedings against the three family members underscore the urgent need for enhanced awareness and intervention in cases of child abuse and neglect.