Miami Woman Arrested for Allegedly Beating Autistic Son Over Schoolyard Kiss

The 7-year-old boy suffered visible injuries after his mother allegedly used a belt to punish him for kissing a classmate's cheek.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A 27-year-old Miami woman named Kelly Michel has been arrested and charged with child abuse after allegedly beating her 7-year-old autistic son for kissing a classmate's cheek at school. The boy had visible injuries including a bruise on his eye, cheek, arm, and legs when authorities responded to his aftercare program. Michel allegedly confessed to using a belt to hit the boy multiple times, claiming he was moving around and the belt struck his eye.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges faced by families with autistic children and the need for greater education, support, and resources to address behavioral issues in a constructive manner. The alleged abuse also raises concerns about the treatment of vulnerable children and the role of child protective services in intervening to protect them.

The details

According to police reports, the incident occurred after the boy's classmate fell at school and the boy kissed the classmate's cheek "in the hopes of him feeling better." Some students told the teacher, who then informed the boy's parents. When the boy returned to his aftercare program, staff noticed his visible injuries and contacted authorities. A child protective services investigator interviewed the boy, who claimed his mother used a belt to beat him. The University of Miami Child Protection Team determined the boy needed to be removed from the home, and police arrested Michel two days later.

  • On February 24, authorities responded to the boy's aftercare program.
  • On February 26 at 7:30 p.m., Michel was arrested in the Overtown neighborhood of Miami.
  • On February 27 shortly after midnight, Michel was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.

The players

Kelly Michel

A 27-year-old Miami woman who was arrested and charged with child abuse for allegedly beating her 7-year-old autistic son.

The 7-year-old boy

The autistic son of Kelly Michel who was allegedly beaten by his mother after kissing a classmate's cheek at school.

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What they’re saying

“'I observed a red dot bruise in his right eye, a visible bruise from the right side of his cheek to behind his right ear (purple and red in color), line marks on his left arm, and a bruise behind his legs,'”

— Police officer (Local 10)

“'She added that she hit him several times on his arm and buttocks. She also said that because he was moving around, the belt opened up and hit him in his eye.'”

— Kelly Michel (Law & Crime)

What’s next

Michel appeared in bond court after her arrest on February 27 and a judge ordered her to have no contact with her son. It is unclear if she has entered a plea or retained legal representation.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for greater education, support, and resources for families with autistic children to address behavioral issues in a constructive manner and prevent abuse. It also highlights the critical role of child protective services in intervening to protect vulnerable children.