Michigan Mom Sentenced to Life for Son's Cancer Death

Elizabeth Dubois convicted of felony murder for denying her son Austin Raymond necessary medical care.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 11:11am

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Elizabeth Dubois, 43, of Lapeer County, Michigan, has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the felony murder of her son, Austin Raymond. The case highlights a growing trend of prosecutors pursuing severe charges, including murder, in cases of medical neglect where a caregiver's intentional refusal to seek treatment directly leads to a child's preventable death.

Why it matters

The Dubois case sets a legal precedent for prosecuting severe cases of medical neglect as homicide, reflecting a societal recognition of the devastating consequences of denying children necessary medical care and a desire to hold caregivers accountable. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of existing child protective systems and the need for greater authority to intervene in suspected cases of medical neglect.

The details

Austin Raymond's ordeal began in July 2016 when he first noticed a lump on his throat. Over the following years, his condition deteriorated as his mother allegedly refused to seek medical attention. By November 2016, Austin could no longer eat solid foods and struggled to speak. Despite a Child Protective Services investigation and pleas from relatives, Dubois continued to deny Austin necessary medical care. In January 2017, relatives took Austin to a hospital, where he was diagnosed with chordoma, a rare bone cancer. Even after the diagnosis, Dubois reportedly withheld consent for surgeries and follow-up care. Austin Raymond died at home on May 20, 2019, weighing just 83 pounds.

  • In July 2016, Austin Raymond first noticed a lump on his throat.
  • By November 2016, Austin could no longer eat solid foods and struggled to speak.
  • In late 2016, a Child Protective Services (CPS) investigation was launched.
  • In January 2017, Austin was diagnosed with chordoma, a rare bone cancer.
  • Austin Raymond died at home on May 20, 2019, weighing just 83 pounds.

The players

Elizabeth Dubois

A 43-year-old resident of Lapeer County, Michigan, who was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the felony murder of her son, Austin Raymond.

Austin Raymond

Elizabeth Dubois' son, who died at home on May 20, 2019, at the age of 83 pounds after his mother allegedly refused to seek necessary medical care for his rare bone cancer.

University of Michigan Hospital

Medical experts from this hospital testified during the trial that Austin's chordoma cancer had a high survival rate if treated early, but Dubois' delays allowed the cancer to grow to an untreatable size.

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What they’re saying

“Survival rates are roughly 70–80% when caught in time.”

— Medical Experts

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Elizabeth Dubois out on bail pending her appeal.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing legal trend of prosecuting severe cases of medical neglect as homicide, reflecting a societal desire to hold caregivers accountable for denying children necessary medical care and the devastating consequences that can result.