Maine Father Pleads Guilty to the 2024 Killing of His Son

According to an article on the WCSH 6 website,  two of the three people charged in the death of 10-year-old Braxtyn Smith have now pleaded guilty.

Braxtyn's mother, Jem Bean, changed her plea in February and admitted to manslaughter.

On Thursday morning, his father, Joshua Smith, also pleaded guilty, giving up his right to a trial just days after filing paperwork seeking to change his plea to not guilty by reason of insanity.  His sentencing hearing is expected at the end of September.

The third defendant, Braxtyn's paternal grandmother, Mistie Latourette, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of depraved indifference murder. Her trial is scheduled to begin next Tuesday.

Braxtyn died in February 2024 after being taken to St. Joseph Hospital and later transferred to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center.

According to court documents and investigators, medical staff found multiple bruises on his face and body, and a CT scan revealed bleeding in his brain and skull.  Police also alleged the 10-year-old was severely underweight and that family members used zip ties to restrain him inside the home.

Bean has not yet been sentenced. Prosecutors are recommending a 25-year sentence on her manslaughter conviction, while the maximum possible sentence is 30 years. Her attorney has argued for a prison term of between five and 10 years.