Trial Delayed for Father and Grandmother Accused of Killing Bangor Boy

Braxtyn Smith died in 2024 after months of alleged abuse by his father, grandmother, and mother.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A jury trial has been delayed by more than two months for Joshua Smith, 35, and his mother Mistie Latourette, 58, who are accused of abusing 10-year-old Braxtyn Smith until his death in February 2024. The trial was originally scheduled for March 23 but has been pushed back to June 17 due to scheduling conflicts. Braxtyn's mother, Jem Bean, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in her son's death and is expected to testify at the trial.

Why it matters

The case has drawn significant attention in the Bangor community due to the horrific details of the alleged abuse inflicted on the young boy. It also raises questions about the state's ability to protect vulnerable children and the challenges of prosecuting complex abuse cases.

The details

According to a 15-page document released in March 2024, the adults allegedly zip-tied Braxtyn to chairs and his parents, forced him to dig through the trash for food, and called him insulting names. Attorneys for Smith and Latourette are waiting on expert reports before the trial, which is expected to last about two weeks.

  • Braxtyn Smith died on February 18, 2024.
  • The trial was originally scheduled for March 23, 2026.
  • The trial has been delayed until June 17, 2026.
  • Jury selection is scheduled for June 15 and 16, 2026.
  • The trial is expected to start on June 17, 2026.

The players

Joshua Smith

Braxtyn Smith's 35-year-old father, who is charged with depraved indifference murder.

Mistie Latourette

Braxtyn Smith's 58-year-old paternal grandmother, who is charged with depraved indifference murder.

Jem Bean

Braxtyn Smith's mother, who has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in her son's death.

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What they’re saying

“The trial will likely take about two weeks, which would have overlapped with the court's administrative week.”

— Judge Ann Murray (Bangor Daily News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on June 15 and 16 which jurors will be selected for the trial, which is scheduled to begin on June 17.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for stronger safeguards and intervention to protect vulnerable children from abuse, as well as the challenges the justice system faces in prosecuting complex abuse cases involving multiple perpetrators.