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7-Year-Old Exposes Mother in Courtroom
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- Published on Mar 16, 2026
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In Esto, Florida, 7-year-old AJ Hutto became the shocking child witness in the murder trial of his mother, Amanda Lewis, who was accused of drowning her 7-year-old daughter, Adrianna Hutto, in the family pool in 2007. AJ testified that he saw his mother intentionally drown his sister and even drew pictures to depict the horrifying act.
The case quickly gained national attention for its chilling courtroom drama, as a young boy’s testimony became the cornerstone of the prosecution. Despite being only seven, AJ’s account helped the jury convict Amanda Lewis of first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse, resulting in life in prison without parole.
This case remains one of the most infamous examples of child witness testimony in U.S. true crime history, highlighting the devastating impact of family murder, child abuse, and courtroom drama.
Keywords included: AJ Hutto, Amanda Lewis, Adrianna Hutto, full trial, courtroom, child witness, murder, true crime, Florida murder case, life in prison.
#shorts #truecrime #AJHutto #AmandaLewis #AdriannaHutto #ChildWitness #MurderTrial #FullCourtTrial #CourtroomDrama #FloridaMurderCase #LifeInPrison #MotherKillsDaughter #ShockingTestimony #CourtroomFootage #ChildTestimony #CrimeDocumentary #TrueCrimeCommunity #FamilyMurder #CrimeStory #MurderCase #CourtTV
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The Amanda Lewis case remains one of the most disturbing and heartbreaking child murder trials in America. In 2007, a Florida mother, Amanda Lewis, was accused of drowning her 7-year-old daughter, Adrianna Hutto, in a small backyard pool, allegedly as punishment for spilling nail polish earlier that day. What turned this tragedy into a nationwide shock was the testimony of her own son, AJ Hutto, who was also just 7 years old. AJ told investigators that he saw his mother hold Adrianna’s head underwater until she stopped moving, a claim that became the centerpiece of the prosecution’s case.
Amanda Lewis was found guilty of first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse, and she was sentenced to life in prison without parole. But controversy has surrounded the case ever since. Some believe AJ’s testimony was inconsistent, possibly influenced or misunderstood given his young age, while many see him as a brave child. What do you think?
Watch AJ Hutto raw interrogation with Sheriff's Department on our channel and also join our mission 'Voices for the Voiceless' by subscribing to our Evidence Eye channel. Thanks!
She is clearly guilty. His redaction of the events are a combination of time passed and being scared amd not wanting to remember. PTSD... And was possibly intimidated by the woman whom he calls his mother that drown his sister in front of him...
She belongs in jail.
I remember that pitiful excuse of a human being. May that beautiful child continue to RIHP🙏❤️
I think the kid knew what he was talking about.And the mother is receiving her punishment
I am shocked that she didn't plead guilty to protect her remaining child from having a 7 year old testify.
He is so precious and smart.
OMG, that poor little dude. No child should ever have to go through that. 💔
That was far far too long for a child...... we're there no child protection people in court ?
Right 😢 He is so cute and so innocent. Father God continue to protect him.🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️❤️
It was disgraceful.
I agree! Hearing him speak tore my heart into pieces.
This boy is 24 yrs old today and says his mother 100% killed his sister. I think the discrepancies in his testimony were because when the prosecutors questioned him she wasn't in the court room but when the defense questioned him, she was sitting right in front of him.
This little boy breaks my heart when he cries. He is so smart, polite and a truly sweet dariling boy. God bless A.J.
😢😢😢😢😢
Yes, I filled up😢
Can you imagine how intimidating this was for that poor little guy? His heart had to have been beating so hard and so fast. He honestly didn’t realize she was sitting right in front of him bc he hadn’t seen her in so long. He didn’t get truly upset until he saw that she was there. How that monster could have allowed this sweet boy to go through testifying is incomprehensible, but then you have to remember that she killed her daughter right in front of him. What a vile, despicable POS. I hope and pray that the family members who are now caring for him are able to provide the love, comfort and support he needs, as well as any therapy he will no doubt need in his lifetime.
i am in tears , how cannot ge touched directly in the heart by that little man....God bless him
@jodismith7781from his manners and love he shows today he is thankfully taken care of and that’s the bright spot for me knowing that he had a better life. I cried watching this
This is too much to put on a child 😭😭😭 This breaks my heart. He’s so precious 🙏🏽🙏🏽
As horrific as it is that this "mother" could "punish" her daughter by drowning her in a "small pond", it's even more horrific that she could force her only surviving child to testify to it. If this monster of a woman couldn't admit what she did, I'd almost rather the state drop the charges than force a 7 year old to testify, and traumatize him all over again. This was clearly hard for him, and forcing him to testify forces the kid to cement every moment of that day into his memory, for ever.
I totally agree, it's something that will never leave him.
He chose to be there and wanted to be in court. If he wanted it to be private, it would have been done. He didn't have to testify. He wanted to testify. It was his choice and he was happy to do it.
@MadeOfQuestions you're not very intelligent. The mother cannot force a kid to testify. It's was AJ's choice to testify and the court must review the evidence and testimony before approving him as a witness. The State cannot force a minor to testify. In this case, AJ basically demanded to testify. He chose to testify beore the court. Some kids always know what is right to do and others just shirk responsibility and duty all their lives. Seems that there are at least 3 generations of Americans that are grossly immature and never got beyond being toddlers. Americans suffer Toddler Syndrome.
What a brave child .
Italian Grandma 👵
That’s a heavy heavy burden for a little boy to shoulder.
@janiejones6789 it sure is but shows how a little boy can tell the truth over full grown adults who lie and who are perpetrators.
Oh my that poor little boy how sad for him to go through that horrible thing and shame on the mom for killing her daughter OMG that poor little girl dying because of some stupid nail polish beaning spiled stupid unfit it person should not have had no kids that poor little boy should not be going through that what a Terrible Situation for that child and his poor sister may she RIP and may it the mother burn in hell 🔥🔥🔥🔥😭😭🔥😭🔥😭🔥😭🔥😭🔥
Am even tired on behalf of the poor guy.
This little boy will never have a normal life . Ever . Thanks to his mother !!!!
The poor kid is worn out see him yawning.
this questioning should have been done in a separate room and recorded and played for the court/jury to hear. AJ should never have had to be in that courtroom ever!!!!
7 is old enough to know right from wrong
As I watched this, I was horrified, that after he didn’t recognize his mother due to having not seen her for 2 or 3 years and then having her brought to his attention as she sat at the defense table he realized this stranger to him was indeed his mother. He was rocked by this and traumatized. He did his best to calm himself as he was given no time to absorb that his mother was there staring at him. Traumatic events in early childhood, like watching your sibling being murdered by your mother, will erase other events occurring at time the trauma occurred.
He couldn’t remember talking to a woman or what exactly he was playing with or if he had seen his sister drown once or twice. The defense used his insecurity and his recollection to discredit the poor kid. He saw his mother holding her sister under water and he saw the girl floating in the pool. That’s what he will always remember. The details, like did she drown before she went to the park and then drown again after she came home? is how the brain dissacociates traumatic events. Compartmentalizes specific moments in time as a protective device. He definitely should not have been made to testify with his mother in the room and the shock of seeing her was terrifying for him. He was retraumatized. It was very disturbing for me to watch that little boy trying to make sense out of being to relive a day that he had buried. This definitely should have been handled differently.
I agree this was horrible to require him to testify in open court and now for him to one day run across it on RUclips.
@LasVegasPam It could have been, but it is up to the defense to allow it to be handled differently, like let him testify in a separate room. They wouldn't go for it.
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
Cause done for effectiveness - wrong to me too.
Double shame on his mother one for killing her kid in front of her other kid and two for not pleading guilty to save her child from double trauma. Horrid
😢😢😢
He looks tired.
We don't know this for sure.
Between the fact that she didn't plead guilty, the fact that both defense and prosecution were LEADING this child in questioning and the fact that I am sure he didn't really understand what he was answering, I feel like judging her is a bit unfair because all I saw was a 48 minute youtube video and we don't necessarily have all the facts.
Yes we DO! I HOPE A.J.'s mom rips for killing her daughter and forcing this brave child to go through this! I'm so glad YOU weren'ta juror!
This is too much pressure for a child this young. He is still tender age and this is heartbreaking! Answering all these questions.
He's a baby
That testimony was way too long and the defense lawyer had him confused in his answers. At 7 yrs old he is too young to do that kind of testimony. He could be easily manipulated. It's possible that she did kill her daughter. Angry over spilled nail polish? Thank God she is in prison for life surgery iyr oarole.
they could have done it in a private room without him being in court
The mother's attorney is confusing this poor little boy terribly
Through all the trauma, he’s such a very polite young man
He’s not a man he’s a little boy child
He is doing better than a lot of adults 💁🏼
For now… 😢
And im sure a great young man.
Bless his baby heart i hope he grew up to be an amazing young man ❤
As a mother OWN YOUR BS! You know what you did….once you knew they were bringing him in to testify YOU should have just plead guilty without trial!!!!!
1000% to protect her little baby for going through this!
I can just look at the mom and see how heartless, coldblooded, a straight up bitch she do not deserve the title of a mother
My thoughts exactly!!
She should haven’t let him through this
EXACTLY!
After this little boy saw his mom, his focus was gone and these attorneys were so ineffective. This little boy was so brave, respectful, and super patient for a 7 year old.
I got the feeling he was rehearsed to say what they wanted him to say.
@PamelaMiller-z5c he couldn’t be coherence into that, attorney goes over the question whst he will answer him durning the trail so he won’t be nerves but relax and comfortable . Every victim hsve the right to face there accuser by law it their constitutional right .smh
I disagree, he did his sister justice.
This makes me sooo sad poor child so cleaver and respectful towards all this yes sir this.yes Yes that 😢
@PamelaMiller-z5c
don't be silly.
Way too many questions for a child. This is heartbreaking 😢
😢
That’s because lawyers love to blab on and on not thinking their questioning a 7 year old
This is one of the saddest videos I've ever seen. Just heart breaking.
I agree
It truly is so heartbreaking. I can't even imagine 😢😢
Yes it is. What a sweet child. I hope he’s getting some intensive mental help. Heartbreaking ❤️🩹
Lord have mercy😢😢😢
Hard to watch I agree but he has an angels spirit that somehow redeems the human race that kids are hope in a shitty world
I am 85 years old.A Great Grand Father.I am crying for this CHILD.H M .
Me too.😢
Bless your heart! I'm a 69 year old grandmother and I can't quit watching but I want to bc I'm crying. I want to hug him that baby boy who lost his sister! What is wrong with "adult lawyers" now?
Very horrifying😢😢
Imagine this boy growing with this, father's loves your kids
Sickened by these adults for what they are doing to this little boy.
😭😭😭😡☺️🤦🏽♀️🤦🏽♀️
I can’t believe his disgusting mother made him witness such a horrific act and then cowardly plead not guilty. She is despicable
Sounds like smthg my coworkers would do
There’s a certain place in hell for people so mentally & physically abusive. Phsychopath corner!
This incident is going to impact on this boys life forever hope he has a good support system as he grows older and start questioning his memories so painful to watch how he is staying to be brave adults should refrain from disciplining children when angry. Maybe the mother silence the little girl to keen her silence about something else. God knows people can be so cruel the protector becoming the monster her actions destroy her own family
Poor sweety poo!Just wanna snuggles, comfort him! Reassurance! C**t stealing innocence!
I guess if a mother can kill her own child, she wouldn’t worry about the feelings of her child that remains alive. It’s tragic. Human sinful nature at its worst.
The world needs to be held accountable for the way we treat our young children this little boy should not be in a court room it's horrific
what happened to you guys in US to do that to children , to make them suffer so much in front of all those people; i have no words to express my feelings
No child should have to go through this. He was so sweet and kind and scared and he did not deserve to go through this
It would have been better doing it on a video link. Also he can't remember because he doesn't want to remember
That is the most horrible thing to do to that poor little sweet boy
How cruel and mean to this little boy this makes me sick
I’m going to cry
✅I am so weak and sad for this little boy experiencing the worst day of his life: His mother is a monster and he lost his sister. That defense attorney will get karma for trying to confuse that poor child.
The mother should be sent to prison for just putting her son through this! Evil!!! I truly hope that he is now surrounded with love and being able to work through the trauma this has caused?
I saw her interview with Pier Morgan. She still lied.
@karenkneisley288 DOESN’T SURPRISE ME‼️ SHE’S AN EVIL, SICK & DISGUSTING MURDERER/💩‼️
@karenkneisley288 AJ, whose name has been changed and is protected, rocked the court and entire nation back in 2008, when he recalled the harrowing moment his mom 'dunked' seven-year-old Adrianna's head underwater and drowned her.
His testimony of the crime went on to prove instrumental in the case, with Lewis convicted by a jury of first-degree murder and handed a life sentence behind bars without parole, though she continues to protest her innocence.
The court put this child trough this
@adelaidemariehis mom did
Why are they having this child on the stand and asking him questions? This is horrible.
No child at that age is going to remember all those details. His brain will be fried.
i guess mom could stop it by saying that she did it
Agreed. See my comment. This is absolutely disgusting and CHILD ABUSE!!!
No it's not
He was the only witness. If she wasn't in jail, she could be out and have custody of him. I think thats worse than him testifying and this interrogation is heartbreaking.
I will pray healing for that child.
He’s such a polite boy.
Yes and very respectful he is so freaking handsome
@valeriecooley1987 He's a little boy🤔
Brake my heart when he starting to cry.
And absolutely adorable 😊
“yes sor”
@maria432-x9x Me too.
I cannot believe they put that little boy through that. He was so polite.
But thank goodness this child was intact and strong enough to do this incredible testimony. It's tragic and difficult, but necessary ultimately. He is not only protecting himself, but other children from encountering monsters like the one who gave birth to him.
They didn't put him through this, his evil mother did when she brutally murdered his sister! God bless AJ for his courage!
Mom couldve pled guilty. AJ will later feel proud for stepping up for his sister. If he didnt, this would eat him up.🧸💔🙏
I am shocked they used a little child in courtroom!!!
I feel the same way.
He is so well spoken and polite. I am heartbroken that he ended up testifying, how traumatic for this poor child 😢
But it was necessary beings he was the only witness. 😢😢😢
Its horrible for him to have to look at his mother while testifying.
There was no other way.
Just terriblr😢
Indeed. So sad
That mother just watched AJ being basically tortured instead of stopping it and pleading guilty
Its so sad he's lost his sister and his mom, to see him so upset and hurt is heartbreaking
Prosecution needs someone to blame as usual lol
Inhumane act to ask such young child who will scar in heart & brain, for life. 😭😭😭
Wtf this was crazy, unbelievable they put this poor little fella through this! I pray he healed and has a great life. 🙏
Very sad. the court should not have televised this case. who decided this??? Shame on them. Not nice for this smart and intelligent soft spoken kid a the time. Now young MAN god bless you with happiness forever.❤
It’s heart breaking. This boy is twenty five years old now. May God protects him and let him live in a peaceful and good life.
Oh wow.i didn't know that. I don't watch, read out listen to " the news" so I don't recall this story. He's a grown man in today's world... I hope he's found peace a day happiness in HIS life
Praying for him too, that our LORD will fill him to overflowing and binding up all the wounds from his childhood with a new life in Him. The peace that passes all understanding.
This broke my heart, I can only imagine the way it broke Jesus’ heart…. But God! He takes what was meant to destroy us, and turns it for our good and His glory! I know because God has done this in my life too. 🙌🏻
YES I AGREE WITH YOU COMPLITLY
GODS BLESSING TO HIM TO STAY STRONG AND NOT DAMIGED MENTALY
AMEN🙏
@tamL9Amen!
@tamL9Amen.
Everytime he cried, I wanted to hug him. He's such a innocent, sweet boy.
Me too, my heart hurt ❤️🩹
@JulieWeller-w7kme too😢
Unbelieveble to see a little child in that place omg! Couldn’t never this happen in Brazil 😢
It's so traumatic.
Now he is aduly😮
Are they really allowed to put a child through this it seems barbaric to me. The poor sweet boy ..
Barbaric is that parents kill their kids.
We live in a HORRIBLE world that allows so many really evil people to walk among us. And they let them out over and over so often. It's crazy
Who in the hell approved or allowed this to be done to this little boy. Horrible.
The defensethis defense attorney is purposely causing this little boy more mental anguish, purposely confusing him, there should have at least been breaks between all this they continue to throw at him! It's the most pathetic thing they did to this little guy and this whole, complete situation will cause many mental issues in this little guys life! WHAT WAS WRONG WITH WHAT WAS ALLOWED to be done by these adults! No care about him at all, he is overstressed as anyone should be able to tell, by his yawns!
Why did the court system allow this to be handled in this situation, it's the most disgusting, insensitive thing they put him through! You know his mother propably got on him after she did it in a fashion that poor baby was in fear for himself! I'm ashamed that this was ever allowed to happen to this little guy and our system better pay for his years of therapy before something seriously goes wrong in his mind! A child cannot decifer the original trauma let alone being tortured as the court did. You DISCUST ME, you helped to seriousl mess this little boys life up!!! SICK!!!!
I agree. This is difficult for so-called adults. Mom doesn't get a parent of the year award
Lord have mercy! My heart is breaking for this poor sweet boy. His mother ain't 💩 for putting him thru this!
Absolutely disgusting. Heartless.
Horrible enough that she not only murdered her own daughter, she also made this wonderful and brave little angel a witness to her iniscusable actions!!!!!! Bless this little man's heart...AJ will always be in my prayers
THIS LITTLE BOY CRIED, AND THEY JUST THROW HIM A NAPKIN.. NO ONE TO HUG HIM... WHAT A COLD WORLD WE LIVE IN.
They can't...
It was necessary. There are so many factors in all of this. If they coddled him the entire time then it would appear persuasive and bias, etc. That's what that lady was there for....counsel, advocate, liaison, etc. He was getting nurturing and treatment and attention outside of the courthouse, but they couldn't do all that during. Seems cruel but it was necessary to put away the killer of his sister. The outcome....he has grown up to be a great man and father despite all the traumas. He also has no regrets of what he had to do.
Broke my heart too😢
It’s court not his classroom.
Exactly.You are 1000% right.
Disgusting how long they questioned that 7 year old boy
This is an atrocity. How was it ever allowed to drill this poor, traumatized sweet, little boy!!!
Its sad the mother did this to him. He needs to be able to tell the story to heal and move forward.
@sheenamarie652 we don’t really know if the mother did anything to him. This is the prosecutor putting this boy through this. I would’ve really liked to see the video that the police Ben took the day it happened. That’s what this case should been based on.
He's only a baby how can they legally put him on the stand like that. Why not video link
@helenbozzo6545 2:54
@helenbozzo6545100 % agree with you about the mum. I put in my comment I wonder how they engaged with this boy in the beginning .
I haven't even finished watching it but this is definitely not right !!
This is too much for a child his age. This is heartbreaking.
Too much and too grueling! Ridiculous to ask the same questions repeatedly! So much unnecessary trauma. 😭When a child says what happened, and even makes a drawing, that speaks volumes....enough already. 😩
No it is not! He need to use his voice to get justice for his sister. This is what wrong with society and children are innocent victims of cruel adults. He could've been next and he's smart and brave. Him having to witness his mom do something so cruel is heartbreaking to hear so imagine him seeing it.
I’m dying watching this been done this child 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😱😱😱😱😱😤😤😤😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 this child was shaking in questions about his sister . When his trying to help .
I’m heartbroken the same as him too my condolences goes to him 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 this is very heartbreaking 💔.
It is important. Without a conviction, his mother would have custody of him.
"Did you hit her with a bucket?" As if the child isn't going through enough having to relive all this sh*t, they're going to try & blame a 7 yr old boy?! How reprehensible & disgusting, to say the very least. And what a sorry excuse for a mother, putting him through this.
That's the part of this entire case was the defense of this monster tried to imply that that little child had killed his sister not that skank of a "mother". Thankfully he's a happy married father himself now although I'm sure he relieved this everyday. Did anyone notice how he looked at her and smiled but she never reacted to him. I followed this case as it progressed and she is the first bitch because she never once acknowledged that little guy's presence.
Wholeheartedly agree
ummm, it's not possible to shift blame on the kid. he was a witness protected by the court.
But he thought it was funny, the idea of him hitting his sister with a bucket. Apparently the idea was ridiculous. One of the few lighter moments in his testimony.
She’s an incubator not a mother
The little boy is so tired with all the interaction
OMG… my heart is breaking for this poor kid. The way he says yes sir is tearing me apart. That poor child having to go through this. 😥
Yes, sil.
Me too...
He also had to go through seeing his own sister murdered.
@franciscopino5284 🥺
@franciscopino5284he has the same speech impediment my own son had when he was little. 😢
I can't believe this poor excuse of a mom! She could have saved this little boy from all of this, by pleading guilty.... This little guy has already started a lifetime of heartaches....Has anyone seen one tear come out of her???
She made him relive that twice 💔 something he will never forget.
@denisecoffield455 Exactly!! Though she did kill her other child.. I suppose it's too much to ask for a murder to do the right thing!!
I know it’s so sad even though my daughter is 15 she was sa’d by someone our family knew for almost 2 decades and it’s killing me and her dad and family that she has to do this she don’t think like a 15 year old she is still at a 12 year old level and I’m terrified this mom should be ashamed I would do anything to save my baby girl from this this poor little boy ain’t no way I’d make a plea I can’t tell you how scary this is watching my daughter let alone a 7 year old baby 😢❤
Not only that! This little man should be protected and not expose him to you tube! WTH!!!!
I absolutely agree with you! Poor little guy, God be with this little boy.
As a paralegal, I cant believe they put him on the witness stand instead of doing a video of his testimony. Sad
They did do a video but then they ask him to remember what he said on the video.
@Becky-dw8lw @terinagarcia5310 is asking about a video for the purposes of the trial. The video to which you refer was made 1-2 years earlier by law enforcement. (That seems clear.) The attorney MUST connect his CURRENT testimony to that earlier video in order for it to be included in evidence. This could have been done in a more private setting, but it wasn't. My bias is that someone in the prosecuting office wanted his testimony on full display. I fear they did not have the evidence so they made it emotional. As a children's advocate, the behavior of the prosecuting attorney, the judge, and the GAL were deplorable. I will go further to say that I don't think they would have done this if they had proper evidence against her. I hope I'm wrong.
@12birddog12Hey Anna..anyone ever told you your a know it all? Go anywhere but here, please.😂
From a legal perspective, why is there an option for video testimony verses in person?
😢Poor thing..how traumatizing. After losing his sister and his mom.(I know she was awful but to a child..loss of hope/ what could be/been, etc).then this😢 Now, as an adult..glad to hear he is doing well and sticks by every word.. probably makes him feel better knowing he did that for his sister.
That last Lawyer is leading that baby boy , haven’t watched the whole thing, but that lawyer is definitely leading. I feel bad for the child.
His mother, the people who made this sweet angel sit here and testify to this horrific tragedy should be so ashamed. I pray he finds peace and love. I would love to hug this poor baby!
The boy is grown and is now 25 years old. Read the description box under the video title. This occurred in 2007.
@catworld8119what is your point? I am a 66 year old woman who has buried a child, taught school for 40 years, and buried my parents…there are some things you never forget or get over. First seeing his sister killed, mother doing it, and then having to sit in a courtroom in front of a mother he has not seen in years, and having to go live with family…basically losing everything…do you think he would forget or get just get over it😢
You’re wrong talking about it is best for him.
@tonygram5414your opinion
His mother is the who is putting him through for what she did and if she had a conscience this poor child would not have to this I totally the mom not courts
It’s so sad to watch this😢
Really bro
@XYLO_GGsyeah frickin' really! It doesn't make you sad? That's because you are!!
Never heard or seen something so horrid. How could they make a 7 Yr old child stand in court.
It’s absolutely too much, bless that tiny baby 😢
A wicked judge allowed such a thing.
😢😢😢
Who are these people to traumatize such a little boy!
When a child goes through trauma, do we not tell them to talk about it and assure them that its ok to talk about it, how is this any different?
No child should have to go through this. Its heartbreaking.
This is the weirdest thing I ever watched in a court room. This is criminal !! I thought, this wouldn’t be allowed. 😡
Poor, poor, little boy…
Criminal is right. Poor child will never get over this
Mental abuse 😡
There has to be something that excuses a young child from testifying in the presence of the accused when it's a trial for such a heinous crime. If not, there definitely should be. I mean, I understand facing your accusers at trial and all that, but there's no need to put a child through this when he could deliver his testimony with the accused in another room, especially with video conferencing so widely used now. This is absolutely barbaric.
Forcing him to testify with his mother in the room staring at him is particularly cruel. Especially after he had an emotional breakdown at recognizing his mother in the room looking at him.
He's being gently interrogated, and he's exhausted.Poor baby's yawning and yawning, and he's traumatized
The murder trial was in 2008. Little AJ was 7. He's now 24 years old in 2025. I read a 2025 DailyMail article that after the trial, he was adopted by a nice couple and changed his name. He wants to let everyone know who is concerned for him that he's doing well. He's married and is currently a firefighter. I'm so happy for him. We all love and support you, AJ, from around the world and wish you nothing but the utmost happiness that you deserve. 💖 His firefighter colleagues and parent-in-laws are unaware of his previous name and childhood trauma, including the abuse from his mother and the death of his sister. Only his wife knows what happened to him and his family that supported him. What a traumatic event, and sadly, it was recorded and published to the entire world. 😢 A child testimony should always get recorded privately with few people and have a therapy dog next to them, and not face the anxiety and stress being among so many people in court.
Agreed 100%
Absolutely agree! At age 7, this setting is overwhelming.
Smaller room with mirror glass window, with other relevant persons observing the hearing from an adjoining room.
Such a bright and brilliant little man ❤ Precious and priceless innocence 😢 My God 😢
Totally agree!! He is traumatized. Kids block memories so they can survive. But I totally agree he should have had the opportunity to give a deposition.
Thanks for this update and I totally agree this should have been kept private where we only hear the child’s voice and not see the face. Even the voice should be disguised or something. This is breaking my heart on so many levels. I want to go and hug that little boy.
The mother and her lawyer are pure evil
She murdered her child says everything he is TRUST THRES A HEL
Well, it didn't work. She was offered a plea bargain that would have required her to plead guilty to manslaughter in exchange for a ten-year sentence, but she declined in favour of going to trial. She got LIFE WITH NO PAROLE!
@sheilaboston7051That's suggestive of innocence. I'm not saying she's innocent, but I think a guilty person would have been more likely to accept the deal.
Can’t blame lawyer. Just his job bet he hates it at times. But, everyone is entitled to defence
They could have done all of this IN PRIVATE and the jury could have watched without retraumatizing this child in front of so many strangers. How terrifying and heartbreaking for that child.
He is such a well mannered little angel. My heart breaks for him.
😢
I just wanna hug this little boy so hard! His sweet voice breaks my heart. He was amazingly articulate for seven years old. Wherever this young man is now, I hope he knows that he handled himself perfectly and with grace far, far beyond his years.💜
He said he is in 4th grade, that's NINE years old.
@ASDasdSDsadASD-nc7lfI thought I heard first (1st) grade??? I had to turn the volume WAY UP😊
He said he is 7 and in the first grade.
I read an article where AJ spoke out after becoming an adult. His name has been changed and he is a married firefighter now. He also said that she is 100% guilty.
Thanks for this update
Thank you for sharing that. Esto, Florida is about two hours southwest from where I live. I always wanted to know what happened to this innocent sweet child who went through this horror!
I hope he has found peace given this heartbreak he had to experience during and after.
Thank you for that update, happy to hear he is doing well after all that trauma he went through.
Sometimes tough times straightens life out for you a little better. Easier to understand what pain is so you stay away from it. Speaking from experience.
I cannot believe they put a 7 year old thru all that questioning, terrible, terrible
Putting a child through this ordeal was shocking, inexcusable child abuse. An absolute disgrace.
The prosecuter clearly is coaching this little kid to agree with what he said, not to mention the prosecuter tried as much as he can to look at the kid face while talking to make sure he is in control with this kid (maybe he has do this so many times during the investigation) . America is getting bushittier everyday
@snmh76 I believe he kept the child's attention so he wouldn't look over at his killer mother and be sympathetic to not tell the truth that his mother drowned his sister! All ppl, get coached on how to testify, even adults! It's part of the Court game!
Exactly. The attorney questioning him shame on you.
What he saw.. that's what's terrible.. no one much less a child should have to go through this . Smh.. 😢
They had no choice. He was the only live witness. If not for him she'd go Scott free .
Please try to understand that before accusing child abuse.
And for those " Human Rights" Child Abuse Honkers let me tell you this.
She could have done the same to him too if she'd known where it wud land her. She thot she'll get away with accidental drowning.
She never in that spur of fit cud realize he'd be giving evidence in Ct Ag. her. Thanks God or he won't be here. !!!
She snapped and drowned her. But didn't realize he'd be here doing this.
If she had planned it she'd have done the same to him. No witness she'd be Free Enjoying life with a partner.
How wud that sound to all " Child Abuse Honkers !!?? "
I'm shocked to see this child testify in court much less televised. This is unbelievable.
It was back in 2007.
I am with you. It does not matter what year it was.
I remember back during that time when these sensationalized cases were hugely popular on TV. Court TV and Nancy Grace were all the rage. That may have had an effect on how the prosecutors pushed the little boy with breaks or much concern for his comfort. It’s really sad.
It should have been done in the judge's chambers and not televised. This is trauma addrd to trauma
Why? The mother is a POS who placed this young man in this position. He's a strong young man and a hero to the VICTIM!!
The fact that they put this little boy through this is absolutely horrendous
I AGREE 100%!!
🙉🙉🙉🙉🙉🙉🙉
I agree with you.
I agree, but what else could've been done? She was denying that she did it. He was the only witness. SHE put him thru it. No surprise there.
Ikr😢
Poor baby he will have to live with that memory forever it's so sad
SHAMEFUL !!!!!!!! Counselor should be ashamed, indeed this is a child!
So was the murdered girl!
No parent that loves their child should sit and watch them go through what that little boy is going through. That mother is sick and corrupted.
Right, but she also allegedly drowned her daughter. so I’m guessing that watching her son be mentally bombarded and attacked in a patronizing voice over lies she possibly made up might not have an effect on her.
Hello?
Demon possessed
I would have jumped up and said STOP..i did it😢😮
It broke my heart to see him glancing at his mother and trying to smile for her!
Mine too bless 🙌 🙏 that child❤
Yes a few times
He tried to hold back his tears not smile she put him threw a lot
He wasn't looking at his mother, he was looking at his Aunt who he was living with.
Awful I can’t watch anymore! Poor boy!!
So sad!!! Evil pure evil!!!
I hope this beautiful boy is now loved and protected ❤️
I hope so
He's definitely protected, just look at social services she's ready to protect him
Bless him as he is an innocent
At that age it's a tough behaviour
Sad 😢
él nunca estará protegido. Este video is outthere for the rest of his life. Aquí han condenado madre e hijo for life.
Wrongful thing they should ever do kids not developed his brain fully to be able to know really right from wrong at that age especially having subpoenaed for him to testify on his mother in the courtroom like that your court system are f****** scumbags and you guys put kids like that through hell now he's going to have a hard time the rest of his life dealing with something like that you court system your scumbags why don't you prosecutor get his own conviction they're f****** self because they're scumbags too
I Love that when they asked him what is a lie he said "Not the Truth". Same for what is the truth
" Not a Lie". So simple of a answer but it cut straight to the chase
Democrats could learn a good lesson from this wonderful boy, isn't it?
This little boy is precious.
It breaks my heart to see how they question him.
I know that was superb!
An earth angel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
I love this boy and all the children should be protected
I think as a child psychologist this is the most horrendous insensitive damaging inconsiderate situation a 7 year old child could have been put through and completely unnecessary, it's tantamount to child abuse of an already deeply traumatized little boy, I cannot believe this was allowed, absolutely disgusting, shame on ALL of them 😡
This is not as traumatizing as what his mother put him through. He knows she did something bad. Mother is the cause of his needing to go through this. If he did not testify and mom got off, he would live wil knowing he helped free her... to kill again... maybe even him.
@sandracheboit was worse, the mother may be sick, but THIS was gratuitous AND unnecessary, every person with a grasp on child psychology can see that
As a psychologist, you might open your mind a bit better. It was clear to me that when ever the boy said I don’t know, he was hiding something.
It wasn’t cruel I g for the child , just tell the truth,
Whether it was him that held the girl down or it was an accident with the girl climbing using his truck. He evaded all questions related to him. He constantly lied. His testimony should never have been used to convict his mother.
Where did he get such beautiful manners if his mother was a nut job, drowning her child because she made a mess. Did she deliberately take the child out and drown her. Seriously. The counselling professions really are the pits.
I so agree here.
@gabrielleann3932 You're ridiculous.
Oh that poor poor baby.
It's heartbreaking and infuriating to see such a sweet innocent child put through such trauma and forced to publicly relive his pain for the whole world to watch. God bless his little soul. I pray for a happier life for him and that he can be far removed from this evil and be given a chance to live in a happy, loving home, with people that will heal his precious little heart.
This happened in 2007. (check the description box under the video title) The little boy is now a 25 year old man. I, too, hope he had a loving home to grow up in and has become a well rounded, happy adult. :-)
AMEN
He seen his mother kill his sister. Inside it is killing him. That’s why he’s drawing it out. I guess they seen the drawing and realized she the mother killed her daughter. When he says he can’t remember he’s blocking it out. He remembers everything. He will never not see it. It will be in his head forever! He has to get it out. Talking about it is the best thing for him to do. He knows everything. He watched her do it. She didn’t know he was there watching.
It had to be
Yeah what a horrible thing to put this boy on trial after living thru such trauma. Dear God I pray you heal his little heart and mind. ❤
This makes me angry AF they put this baby through this.
I think they handled that very well and he was a brave little boy. Otherwise his mother would have probably never been convicted.
His mother put him through witnessing a murder. Don't be blaming the lawyers.
Poor boy😢he is too young for this!!!
This is ridiculous, putting this child through this!!!!!!!
That little boy should not be up on the stand testifying!!!!
Do you prefer the mother go free ?
As much as I would agree, he was really the only actual proof that his mother actually killed his sister. Without his testimony, it most likely would have been a hung jury or she would have been found NO Guilty and if she was found No Guilty, she would have never been able to be charged for that crime again even if afterwards she admitted to everyone she killed her daughter.
@Knorkooliit’s ALL the Moms fault… the dead child deserved justice… I’m sorry for AJ, but am thankful he told what he saw. Tragedy would really have multiplied if he told and nothing happened. I pray this little boy has peace in his heart and his sister got justice.
I agree it was important for the jury to hear him, but it should not have been televised.
@shannon2740 hypocritical of you to b*tch about it after you watched it
This is wrong on every level. He’s only just 7, I hope he’s grown up without trauma and flashbacks. Poor lad. He’s now 25, I hope he’s mentally ok.
The court room is not the trauma. His mother is the cause of the trauma. You are a little mixed up.
@JD-vh1qdyou are a little mixed up if you don't think that he was retraumatized by this experience. He even broke out in tears. Not to mention, people often talk about not wanting adults to be re-traumatized by having to relive/revisit the details of their trauma in court, and this poor boy didn't only have to hear it, he was forced to look at the pictures he drew and try to visualize the event so he could answer questions to the best of his ability.
@JD-vh1qdthe courtroom is a very traumatic experience for a child. A 7 year old should never be allowed to testify in court.
@JD-vh1qd What is wrong with you that you can't see the trauma inflicted by this trial? I pray you don't have any kids.
@JD-vh1qd a court room is extremely traumatic and hostile. These people are disgusting. Beyond the fact that it's full of lies.
Ughhhhh....this is just awful. When he started to cry when he realized his mother was in the courtroom, it was soul-crushing. I hate that he was put through this.
This is abuse! Sick people!
The lawyer for the defense is mean to that poor child! It's bad enough that he has to remember the day his sister was murdered!😠😡
As horrid as this is it IS the way our adversarial justice system works. It is the defense attorney ‘s oath bound job to defend his client with all he can muster.
@linda-u4u our court put young children behind frost glass and let them speak into the mic. if want the lad to talk open room like this then the lawyer for defence should stand still not walk as if talking to an adult to make them uncomfortable and he kept saying you have to say yes (which to a young child makes them think they should say yes because he said so), he should said you have to say yes or no like the first lawyer did
@viviennebrooks5468 I absolutely agree that everything that can be made less traumatic should be done. I absolutely hated the way the defense atty. treated him and was very upset, too.
Oh no. Is it classified as murd3r. That’s ridiculous. More ridiculous than a child in court. People do horrific things but clearly the girl child fell into the pool the boy child tried to help, failing because HES A CHILD runs to mommy WHO IS ON THE PHONE Kids first. Phone later. Pool covered or enclosed. Adults caused this. No two ways about it. Sadly
I think AJ was very credible while on the stand being questioned. He was very respectful more than some 7 year old boys could be. I’m glad to read he is doing well in life and is an Emergency Responder.
So glad to hear that
❤
He must be the same age as my son.. wish I could hug him
Praise be to God . I pray 🙏🏽 God keeps his mind safe and grant him peace love 💗 comfort and a safe place in his mind .
He should never been put to testify against his mother. His sister is dead, his mother in jail. He never said more then 'yea sir or nee.
This is the cruelest thing I have ever seen. Why was this allowed!!!! That poor boy he was emotionally tortured
I TOTALLY AGREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HORRIFIC!
Me too agrees. If they had him telling the story on video, they could have showed all of it directly to the court instead of making him remember that horrible day. The judge must have a heart of granite.
I was thinking the same 😞
No, child that age go through easily, just feel tired cause he want play.
Testimony of a young child should never be admissible in court.
That poor child is exhausted. Shame on ALL of them.
Shame on his mom. This is All Her Fault
I agree with both of you, considering his age and his yawning, they should have given the poor child a rest and a bite to eat then continue the questioning. Sounded more like an interrogation.
I agree a child of that age should not be put in this situation, he told what happen that day to the cops and was filmed doing this, that should of been enough as evidence, not dragging him to court in front of everyone and making him answer those questions of course he was confuse it happen a while after plus his mom was right there! Outrageous! glad he has a good life now. she got what she deserved!
So sad bless his heart. 😂
Im sure they could have done this in a better way for that little boy😟 he's been through way too much without adding on more onto his little mind🤨
Now I feel like I want to slap the defendant's attorney for how he questions a 7 year old. He's twiddling with the kid's brain
Yes, the Defense attorney was a total a-hole. Any parent who lets a little kid have a gun and go into a tree and shot innocent animals should be put in jail anyway.
I was definitely confused when he said his mother was in jail and not in the court room
Also how he paces, that would confuse the child. Horrible tatic.
This sweet boy is exhausted! Shame on everyone in authority in the courtroom
@jojosaylor8996he didn’t recognize her. How sad.
I watched this sad story now in 2025 from my home in Alotau Milne Bay Province. My eyes were filled with water ...couldn't hold back my tears as AJ @ 7 yrs been questioned in the courtroom when he cried. OMG what a brave little boy you are. I praise the Living God for bringing AJ this far. I am grateful that AJ is now married and has a family of his own. May God continue to take care of you and your family. 🙏🙏🙏❤ 🇵🇬🇵🇬🇵🇬
This was a farce. All those questions were confusing
They made him guilty. They put him
go through the horror
What a shame your 'living god' didn't prevent the mother from murdering her daughter so that the child didn't have to go through this.
@marieolson268
The Defense Attorney is AWFUL! He was telling him what to say! The Prosecutor was much better.
This is very inappropriate for a child that's young to be interrogated
I just want to hug that poor little boy!!!! 😢
How sad a mother would let them do this to her 7 year old little boy!!
Beyond sad! Horribly, it seems in line with a mother who drowned his sister. 😥
Selfish
she doesn't deserve to be called "mother"
She murdered her own child and you think she'd have compassion for the other child? Who was obviously traumatized by her which is why he was afraid to incriminate her and initially lied that she was not in the room at the beginning. Then they shocked him by pointing her out later. And still expected him to incriminate her, a murderer?
What a cutie little boy. I'm so sorry he had to see his sister harmed like that. The attorney for his mom is confusing him.
The way he smiles at his mom 🥺❤️
He hopes she approves if his performance, in case he is sent home with her. If his mohter is not in the court room, he remembers that his mother killed his sister. However, since she is in the court room to hear his testimony, he no longer remembers that.
His little yes sir, so sweet this is just too painful to watch
Too many questions for such a young boy.
Oh i thought he was saying yes so or think so.
@tadaaaaaaaaa I wasn't sure, so I went to comments. It sounds like that to me also.
He taught manners and respect
He is exhausted with questions
The court needs psychologist present to support this child. This is absolutely awful. How did this happen? God bless you always A.J.
They were there sitting next to the boy useless........
I think the lady in the background is the psych. She didn't do anything. I think she should have stopped testimony several times to give him 5 minute breaks out of the room.
I am appalled by this video .I cannot watch you tube again after this
I actually feel sick physically mentally and emotionally and I just cannot deal with this
It is so bad that I really hope that it is not true
Please tell me that this video is not true
Where is his father and his extended family?
Surely there was someone anyone to save him
I would have done it in 2007 if I had known anything about this
But I have only discovered this now this moment in November 2025 on you tube
My heart is broken
I never put any responses on you tube and my children tell me not to respond to any of this stuff on you tube
I am going off of it now
Please tell me that this video is not true
The lady in burgundy beside him is his child advocate. The prosecutor referred to her as Ms. Lindsey, who he drew the picture with, while in therapy.
This.is.appalling,,it.isn't.even.worth.acommet
This little boy could've testified on camera rather than in person. Child neglect is what this is. Sad
Agreed
@ritalnnebotn1038 oh but they will not be investigated or charged for they neglect that they are doing to this 7 yr old lil boy!!
Correct.
Amen!
That’s what I think they would have done, I think he might have got a little nervous when he saw his mom xx I hope he is in a lovely home maybe married now,mi wish only goodness come to this boy… well done sweetheart xx
It’s so heartbreaking to see such a small child in court being asked so many questions. I feel really sad. I hope this child will not suffer from depression in the future. Praying for strength and protection.
This is a terrible abuse of this little boy by both sides. I don't understand why the judge allowed this.
I don't know how these monsters subjected this little boy to such an awful lengthy breakdown ti accuse his mother
All of them HORRIBLE those would do anything for money, bad enough but the way they try ti ingratiate themselves ti a little 7 yrold THEY SHOULD BE HEKD ACCOUNTABLE for CHILD ABUSE N total misabuse of any kind of legal system SHAME on ALL OF YOU SO CALLED that little boy makes the rest of you idiots
Keep saying this is abuse hes the one who who discovered the body that abuse by his mother look up the word abuse
Instead of pleading guilty, she gambles with a trial and puts her son through this horrific reliving of the murder of her sister. Demon! 😮😡👺👹
Her face never changed, how could a mother put her son through that just to get off a murder charge
This is a woman who killed her little daughter , she couldn’t care less.
Killed his sister right in front of him. Twice. Before and after the park.
What a jerk of a lawyer for the defense. How could he treat a little boy like that. Children are not usually questioned in open court but in chambers while being videotaped for the jurey.
The judge should have stopped him
A real A-HOLE not thinking of the child just winning his case
@Carousel5883 bunch of creeps
They want to win a case at any cost. Surely child abuse laws should be applied to everyone connected to this abuse.
Plus seemed lone time for child..crazy lawyers😢🙏🙏💔💔
That liar is trying to confuse this little guy!
Awful, this is disgusting. How can any caring and moderate society do this to a little boy. Im so angry watching this.
I can’t watch it all the way through. Awful!!!!!
But would she have been convicted? He watched his sister be murdered. How much worst can it be for him. But they shouldn’t have made him testify in front of the whole courtroom and especially his mother. This was a catch 20.
They do worse to girls in courtrooms
ME TOO! It should be illegal!!! I can’t even watch past the first 3 minutes!
This was so hard to watch. Unbelievable that they would put a 7 year thru these questions. I’m so glad to hear he is grown, married and a firefighter. God bless him. ❤
Absolutely ridiculous😢😢😢
This is heartbreaking to see this child go thru so many questions at this age 🙏
Amen
Him crying broke my heart. Why would they do that to him? Shame on them!!!
Thank you for the update! It’s so good to hear something good bcuz this video is horrific
OMG I can't deal with his crying... I am in tears. This poor beautiful boy
😢
Outside is outside outdoors!!!! Terrible confusing the child!!!!!
Trying to trick this kid is an abomination
100% agree.. I cant even watch any more
I hate this so much. I hate when children are put in certain situations and have their child-like innocence taken from them. He's dressed impeccably and he's responding so clearly and respectfully. An outstanding young man.
This baby just proved he's more intelligent than any adult in that courtroom 😢
FACTS !!!
Why is this child's face and all of his contact information not blocked?