Bangor grandmother pleads guilty to manslaughter in death of 10-year-old grandson

Bangor grandmother pleads guilty to manslaughter in 10‑year‑old’s death

Bangor, Maine – In a Penobscot County Superior Court hearing Friday afternoon, Mistie Latourette, a 63‑year‑old grandmother from Bangor, admitted guilt for the manslaughter of her 10‑year‑old grandson, Braxtyn Smith. The plea came after a bench trial was scheduled for Tuesday, giving the court an early resolution in a case that has drawn statewide attention.

Latourette, who had previously been charged with “depraved indifference murder,” entered the plea as part of a deal that caps her potential sentence at 15 years in state prison. The agreement, confirmed by her attorney Christopher MacLean, was reached after prosecutors reviewed evidence of the boy’s prolonged abuse.

Braxtyn was found dead in a hospital on Feb. 18, 2024, after months of neglect and physical abuse while living with his parents. Police reports and court documents described the child as underweight and covered in bruises, with testimony revealing that his parents frequently tied him to door knobs and chairs and denied him adequate food. Latourette, who regularly visited the family, had also assisted with the boy’s homeschooling.

The case also involves Braxtyn’s parents. Joshua Smith, the boy’s father, pleaded guilty to murder on Thursday, while his mother, Jem Beam, admitted guilt for manslaughter in February. All three defendants are scheduled to receive sentences at a later date.

“Latourette’s plea will allow us to move forward with the case and focus on sentencing the other defendants,” said a spokesperson for the Penobscot County prosecutor’s office. The court is expected to hold sentencing hearings in the coming weeks.

The tragedy has sparked renewed scrutiny of child‑protective services in the region, as officials say they are reviewing protocols that may have failed to intervene earlier. “We must do better to protect vulnerable children,” said a local child‑welfare advocate who asked to remain anonymous.

The case remains a stark reminder of the dangers of child abuse and the importance of swift legal action. The court will announce sentencing dates in the coming months.