Lapeer County Mother Sentenced to Life in Prison for Son’s Cancer Death

Lapeer County Circuit Court Judge Michael Nolan sentenced 43-year-old Elizabeth Dubois to a mandatory term of life in prison with no chance of parole on Monday for felony murder. She also received a separate sentence of at least 15 years in prison for first-degree child abuse, to be served concurrently.

The Case Against Elizabeth Dubois

Dubois was found guilty by a Lapeer County jury during a two-week trial in January for causing the death of her son, Austin, in 2019. She had requested Judge Nolan to set aside the guilty verdict, but the request was denied before sentencing.

Details of the Neglect

Investigators determined that Austin contracted a rare form of throat cancer, which presented as a visible lump on his neck. Relatives repeatedly pleaded with Dubois over several years to seek medical attention for her son, according to Lapeer County Prosecutor John Miller. Dubois consistently declined treatment, offering excuses such as a lack of time or money .

Intentional Neglect and Treatable Cancer

Prosecutor Miller stated that the lack of treatment was “intentional” and “egregious.” Experts testified that Austin’s cancer was treatable and potentially curable if diagnosed and addressed early on. Investigators reviewed over 13,000 pages of medical records and consulted with specialists, including a nationally renowned expert from the University of Michigan Medical Center .

Austin’s Condition at the Time of Death

At the time of his death in May 2019, Austin weighed only 83 pounds .

Appeal Opportunity

Dubois has the opportunity to appeal her conviction.

Recent Developments

Elizabeth DuBois, 43, was found guilty of murder and first-degree child abuse in January 2026, related to her son Austin Raymond’s death in 2019 .