A Michigan mother, Katie Lee, has been charged with murdering her son, Austin Dean Pikaart, on the eve of his 18th birthday. According to reports, Lee, 39, claimed to police that her son wanted to end his own life. Authorities found her holding a knife when they responded to a domestic disturbance at their home. Lee allegedly called 911, stating she had been trying to stop Austin from breathing. She claimed they had attempted suicide together, and when he lost consciousness, she cut his throat and arm. Lee pleaded not guilty, and her bond was denied.
A mother from Michigan has been charged with the murder of her son just before his 18th birthday, allegedly telling police that he wished to take his own life, as reported by the People.
Katie Lee is facing charges of open murder and resisting arrest, according to court documents. The Department of Public Safety in Holland, Michigan, indicated that officers were dispatched to a domestic incident at Lee’s residence on February 21. Upon arrival, they found the 39-year-old holding a knife, and she was taken into custody using a Taser.
Within the apartment, authorities found the lifeless body of 17-year-old Austin Dean Pikaart, Lee’s son.
In a complaint obtained by WZZM and WOOD, it was revealed that Lee called 911 on that morning, informing the operator that she had been “trying for a while” to prevent Austin from breathing but was unsuccessful.
According to reports from WZZM, Lee allegedly stated to dispatchers that she and her son had attempted suicide together by taking an overdose of medication. When Austin became unconscious, she reportedly used a knife to cut his throat and arm, as mentioned in the complaint.
Lee allegedly expressed to police her desire for the officers to kill her so she could be reunited with her son, as reported by WOOD.
During a court hearing on February 24, a detective testified that Lee claimed her son had asked for her assistance in stopping his breathing because he “did not want to turn 18.”
Lee entered a plea of not guilty, and her bail was denied. She is set to appear in court again on March 4, according to online records.
Austin’s online obituary portrayed him as “an exceptionally interesting individual who had a passion for cats, science, literature, fishing with his father, rollercoasters, and video games.” He was remembered as “a patient, gentle, kind-hearted spirit with a profound love for helping others.”