A Michigan mother admitted in court that she gave her 17-year-old son a mind-altering drug and fatally cut his throat the day before his 18th birthday.
Katie Austin Lee, 40, pleaded guilty last Wednesday in the Ottawa County Circuit Court to second-degree murder, torture, and resisting and obstructing police.
The charges relate to the death of her son, Austin Dean Pikaart, who died on February 21 at their home in the Bay Pointe Apartments.
Highlights
- Katie Austin Lee pleaded guilty to second-degree murder after fatally cutting her 17-year-old son's throat in Michigan.
- Lee admitted giving her son a mind-altering drug before attacking him, acting on his alleged "death wish."
- She initially faced first-degree murder but took a plea deal, facing 60 to 90 years in prison without parole until she's 100+ years old.
A mother pleaded guilty to giving her son mind-altering drugs and cutting his throat
Lee told authorities she acted on her son’s request and claimed he had a “death wish.”
During a 911 call in the early morning hours, she said she could not get her son to stop breathing.
“The caller Katie Lee told dispatch that she couldn’t get her son to stop breathing,” Det. Sgt. Brent Sluiter said, according to a warrant obtained by WZZM.
The dispatcher asked, “He won't stop what?” the warrant stated.
Lee told the dispatcher she “had been trying to for a while” to stop his breathing “because he did not want to turn 18.”
When officers arrived at the apartment, they found Lee holding a knife. She refused to drop it, and police used a Taser to subdue her before arresting her.
Inside the apartment, officers discovered Austin’s body. An autopsy later confirmed that he died from a deep cut to his throat.
She tearfully admitted that she gave her son Austin a "drug or sedative"
Image credits: Go Fund Me
In court, Lee tearfully admitted that she gave Austin a “drug or sedative” before cutting his wrist and throat, a Fox 17 video from the courtroom shows.
Lee initially faced a first-degree murder charge, which carries a mandatory life sentence without parole. She agreed to a plea deal with prosecutors before her trial, reducing the charge to second-degree murder.
Under the agreement, she faces 60 to 90 years in prison.
Lee also told the judge she did not intend to pursue an insanity defense and was satisfied with the work of her defense attorney.
Ottawa County Circuit Judge Jon Hulsing reminded Lee that she would not be eligible for parole until she is over 100 years old, after he accepted her plea deal.
“Do you understand?” the judge asked.
“Yes,” Lee said, crying as she answered.
Katie Austin Lee alleged the 17-year-old had a "death wish" and "did not want to turn 18"
Investigators said Lee also told officers to kill her so she could be with her son.
She admitted in court that she and Austin had tried to overdose on medication earlier on the same day.
A GoFundMe page organized by Austin’s aunt described him as “caring, humorous, playful,” and shared that he loved video games and space-themed activities.
The page stated that his ashes will be launched into space someday as a tribute to his memory.
Lee is scheduled to be sentenced on January 19. Prosecutors said they expect her to serve the full minimum of 60 years in prison.