Michigan Mother Sentenced to Life in Prison for Neglecting Son’s Treatable Cancer

Elizabeth Dubois, 43, of Lapeer County, Michigan, was sentenced on March 23, 2026, to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the felony murder of her son, Austin Raymond. The sentencing follows a January jury conviction and stems from years of medical neglect that led to Austin’s death from a rare form of throat cancer in 2019 [Tampa Free Press]. Dubois also received a concurrent sentence of 15 to 25 years for first-degree child abuse.

Lapeer County Circuit Court Judge Michael Nolan imposed the mandatory life sentence for felony murder, citing the “egregious” nature of the neglect [MLive].

Who is Elizabeth Dubois and Why Was She Sentenced to Life in Prison?

Elizabeth Dubois was convicted of felony murder after intentionally withholding medical care from her son, Austin Raymond, despite repeated warnings from family members, Child Protective Services (CPS), and medical professionals. The felony murder charge was predicated on the underlying felony of first-degree child abuse [Law & Crime].

Timeline: Austin Raymond’s Illness and Death

Austin Raymond’s battle with cancer spanned several years, marked by a progressive deterioration of his health and his mother’s refusal to seek timely medical intervention:

• July 2016: 15-year-old Austin first noticed a lump on his neck.
• November 2016: Austin could no longer eat solid food and experienced difficulty speaking. CPS opened an investigation after his weight dropped to 86 pounds.
• January 2017: Family members took Austin to a hospital, where he was diagnosed with chordoma, a rare form of malignant bone cancer.
• 2017-2019: Dubois reportedly withheld consent for necessary surgeries and follow-up care.
• May 20, 2019: Austin Raymond died at home from complications related to the cancer. He weighed 83 pounds at the time of his death [Tampa Free Press].

Dubois’ Refusal of Medical Care Despite Warnings

Throughout Austin’s illness, Dubois allegedly offered excuses for not seeking treatment, including a lack of “time or gas money.” Testimony revealed that she dismissed concerns from relatives, a CPS investigator, and medical professionals [Law & Crime]. Dubois repeatedly told Austin he “was fine,” even as his condition worsened.

Medical Experts Testify to Treatability of Cancer

Medical experts from the University of Michigan Hospital testified during the trial that Austin’s chordoma cancer had a high survival rate if diagnosed and treated early. They stated that survival rates are roughly 70-80% when caught in time, and that Dubois’ delays allowed the cancer to progress to an untreatable stage [Tampa Free Press].

Legal Proceedings and Felony Murder Charge

The case initially began as a child abuse investigation while Austin was still alive. After his death, prosecutors appealed to the Michigan Supreme Court to add a felony murder charge. The Michigan Supreme Court ultimately ruled that there was sufficient probable cause to proceed with the murder charge, paving the way for the trial and subsequent conviction [Tampa Free Press].

Dubois’ request to set aside the jury’s verdict was denied by Judge Nolan.