Tragic Tale: Son’s Treatable Cancer Ignored as Mother’s Denial Leads to Devastating Outcome

In a tragic case out of Michigan, a 43-year-old mother has been sentenced to life in prison for neglecting her teenage son’s medical needs, resulting in his death from a rare but treatable cancer. Elizabeth Dubois faced the Lapeer County Circuit Court, where Judge Michael Nolan delivered a life sentence without the possibility of parole for her role in the 2019 demise of her 19-year-old son, Austin Raymond.

The court’s decision came after a jury in January found Dubois guilty of felony murder and first-degree child abuse. Judge Nolan imposed a mandatory life sentence for the murder charge and an additional 15 to 25 years for the child abuse charge, to be served concurrently, marking a severe end to a heart-wrenching case.

Austin Raymond’s battle with a rare throat cancer was prolonged and agonizing, yet despite clear signs of his worsening condition, Dubois refused to seek medical help. Reports from Flint affiliate WJRT detailed Austin’s harrowing symptoms, which included a conspicuous lump on his neck and increasing difficulty with eating and speaking. Prosecutors highlighted these symptoms as evidence of neglect.

The onset of Raymond’s illness was first noticed in July 2016, with his condition progressively declining. By November of the same year, his ability to consume solid food was lost, and he repeatedly pleaded with his mother for medical intervention. However, Dubois dismissed his concerns, insisting he was “fine,” as recounted in testimony reported by MLive.

Raymond first noticed something was wrong with his throat in July 2016 and his symptoms steadily deteriorated. By November of that year, he could no longer eat solid food and repeatedly asked his mother for medical attention. Dubois instead insisted he “was fine,” according to testimony cited by MLive.

As the teen”s condition worsened, Child Protective Services opened an investigation into Dubois. Although a CPS investigator reportedly directed Dubois to seek care, it was ultimately Raymond’s stepfather and other relatives who took him to medical appointments, where doctors urged follow-up treatment with specialists.

Raymond was later diagnosed with chordoma, a rare form of malignant bone cancer. Prosecutors argued the disease was treatable — and potentially curable — if addressed earlier.

Lapeer County Prosecutor John Miller described the lack of care as “intentional” and “egregious,” noting Dubois offered shifting excuses over the years, including that she lacked the time and money for her son’s treatment.

Raymond died in May 2019 at age 19 from complications related to the cancer. Raymond reportedly weighed only 83 pounds at the time of his death.

During proceedings, evidence showed the teen had previously testified against his mother, describing how his condition worsened while his requests for help went unanswered.

Nolan on Monday denied a request from Dubois’ defense attorney to set aside the jury’s guilty verdict. Dubois will have a chance to file an appeal.