Inset: Elizabeth A. Dubois (Lapeer County Jail). Background: Lapeer County Circuit Court (Google Maps).
A Michigan mother, aged 43, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for neglecting her teenage son’s medical needs, leading to his death from a rare but curable form of cancer.
On Monday, Lapeer County Circuit Court Judge Michael Nolan handed Elizabeth Dubois a life sentence without parole for the 2019 death of her 19-year-old son, Austin Raymond, as per court documents.
Dubois was convicted in January of felony murder and first-degree child abuse. Judge Nolan imposed the mandatory life sentence for the murder charge and an additional 15 to 25 years for child abuse, to be served at the same time.
According to a report by Flint affiliate WJRT, Austin suffered from a rare throat cancer for years, displaying severe symptoms such as a noticeable lump on his neck, and difficulties with eating and speaking. Despite these signs, Dubois failed to secure medical treatment for him.
Raymond initially realized something was amiss with his throat in July 2016, and his condition progressively worsened. By November, he was unable to consume solid food and repeatedly pleaded with his mother for medical care. Testimonies reported by MLive indicate that Dubois dismissed his concerns, insisting he was “fine.”
As Austin’s health deteriorated, Child Protective Services launched an investigation into Dubois’s actions. While a CPS investigator reportedly instructed Dubois to seek medical help, it was ultimately Austin’s stepfather and other family members who facilitated his medical visits, during which doctors strongly advised further treatment from specialists.
Raymond was later diagnosed with chordoma, a rare form of malignant bone cancer. Prosecutors argued the disease was treatable — and potentially curable — if addressed earlier.
Lapeer County Prosecutor John Miller described the lack of care as “intentional” and “egregious,” noting Dubois offered shifting excuses over the years, including that she lacked the time and money for her son’s treatment.
Raymond died in May 2019 at age 19 from complications related to the cancer. Raymond reportedly weighed only 83 pounds at the time of his death.
During proceedings, evidence showed the teen had previously testified against his mother, describing how his condition worsened while his requests for help went unanswered.
Nolan on Monday denied a request from Dubois’ defense attorney to set aside the jury’s guilty verdict. Dubois will have a chance to file an appeal.
