Bangor, Maine Woman Charged for her Son’s Death Enters a Plea

A Bangor woman has pleaded guilty in connection with the death of her 10-year-old son, Braxtyn, in 2024.

Bangor, Maine, Woman Pleads Guilty to a Lesser Charge for the Death of Her Son

Jem Bean, Joshua Smith, and Smith's Mother, Mistie Latourette, were all charged with depraved indifference murder after the death of their son and grandson.

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While the other two are still awaiting trial, nearly two years after the boy's death, Jem Bean was in a Bangor courtroom on Friday. Originally charged with depraved indifference murder, Bean pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter.

Bangor, Maine, Officials Say 10-Year-Old Endured Months of Abuse Before His Death

Braxtyn Smith died in a Bangor hospital in February 2024.

Court documents stated the boy weighed only 48 pounds when he was admitted to the hospital. His body was bruised and showed evidence of having been burned.

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His mother, Jem Bean, allegedly told authorities that he was defiant and had to be restrained, even when sleeping or using the bathroom, with zip ties on his ankles and wrists.

Bangor, Maine, Woman's Attorney Says His Client was Negligent, Not Indifferent

According to the BDN, Bean's attorney says her actions were not depraved indifference but better described as criminally negligent.

She allegedly told authorities early in the investigation that she didn't agree with Smith's decision to zip tie the boy or withhold food from him.

It's expected, the attorney said, that Jem Bean may be called upon to testify at Smith and Latourette's upcoming trials.

We'll update this story as more details become available.