BANGOR, Maine — Three family members, including the parents and grandmother of 10-year-old Braxtyn Smith, are facing murder charges in connection with the tragic homicide of the young boy. Joshua Smith, Jem Bean, and Mistie Latourette appeared before a judge on Friday and are each being held on $300,000 bail at Penobscot County Jail.
According to court documents and Bangor police, the boy was rushed to St. Joseph Hospital on February 18 after which he needed to be resuscitated before being transferred to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Unsealed court records revealed disturbing details of the alleged abuse suffered by the child, including being severely underweight, covered in bruises, and restrained inside the home with zip ties.
The child’s mother, Jem Bean, claimed that her son woke up from a nap feeling ill, collapsed in the shower, and was taken to the hospital as a result. However, medical professionals noted multiple visible bruises on the boy’s body that did not appear to be accidental. Hospital staff also reported signs of malnourishment, with the boy weighing only 48 pounds at the time of his hospitalization.
During the arraignment, the family members facing charges did not enter pleas, and the judge ordered them to have no contact with each other or with another child of Joshua Smith and Jem Bean. The next court date for the accused individuals has not been scheduled yet, as the investigation into Braxtyn Smith’s death continues.
The tragic case of Braxtyn Smith has shocked the community of Bangor, Maine, raising concerns about child welfare and protection. The details of the alleged abuse inflicted on the young boy have prompted calls for justice and accountability from advocates and officials alike, as they seek to ensure that such heartbreaking incidents do not occur again in the future. The legal proceedings against Joshua Smith, Jem Bean, and Mistie Latourette will be closely monitored as the case unfolds.