Maine Mother Enters Guilty Plea in Death of 10-Year-Old Son

Bangor mother Jem Bean entered a guilty plea, Friday, Feb. 13, to a charge of depraved indifference murder in the 2024 death of her 10-year-old son, Braxtyn Smith.

Braxtyn died Feb. 18, 2024, in the hospital after months of reported abuse.

The state is expected to recommend a sentence of 25 years in prison for Bean.

The father, Joshua Smith, and Braxtyn’s grandmother, Mistie Latourette, are also charged in the case. Their trials are scheduled for March 23.

A Maine mother pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of her 10-year-old son. The boy died after months of abuse. His father and his grandmother are also charged in his death. https://t.co/EINwRZbABI

— CBS 13 News (@WGME) February 13, 2026