Lapeer County Mom Sentenced to Life for Son’s Cancer Death

Lapeer County Circuit Court Judge Michael Nolan sentenced Elizabeth Dubois to life in prison without the possibility of parole Monday for the felony murder of her son, Austin Raymond, and a concurrent 15-year sentence for first-degree child abuse. The sentencing follows a two-week trial in January where a jury found Dubois guilty on both counts, stemming from Austin’s death in 2019.

Prosecutors argued that Dubois knowingly denied Austin medical care for a rare form of throat cancer over several years. Lapeer County Prosecutor John Miller stated that relatives repeatedly urged Dubois to seek treatment for Austin after noticing a visible lump on his neck, but she consistently refused, citing reasons such as lack of time or money.

Miller described Dubois’ actions as “intentional” and “egregious,” emphasizing that Austin’s cancer was treatable, and potentially curable, had he received prompt medical attention. Investigators reviewed over 13,000 pages of medical records and consulted with specialists, including a nationally recognized expert from the University of Michigan Medical Center, who confirmed the treatability of Austin’s condition.

At the time of his death in May 2019, Austin weighed only 83 pounds. Dubois had requested Judge Nolan to set aside the guilty verdict during Monday’s sentencing hearing, but the request was denied.

Dubois retains the right to appeal her conviction, according to court officials.