Bangor, Maine 10-Year-Old’s Mother, Grandmother Sentenced for His Death

The mother and grandmother of Braxtyn Smith, who died at 10 from abuse and neglect, received their sentences this week.

Bangor, Maine Woman Sentenced for the Death of Her 10-Year-Old Son

Jem Bean, 37, was in a Bangor courtroom on Friday morning, when she was sentenced to 10 years in prison for her role in the killing of her 10-year-old son, Braxtyn Smith.

Bean is also sentenced to six years probation and is ordered to pay $375, which is her share of the cost of Braxtyn's funeral.

She is also restricted from having any contact with her younger daughter, who has been adopted by another family.

Bangor, Maine Woman Sentenced for the Death of Her 10-Year-Old Grandson

Mistie Latourette, Braxtyn's paternal grandmother, is also sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Latourette is sentenced for four years probation and restitution of $375 for Braxtyn's funeral. She cannot have any contact with Braxtyn's sister or any child under the age of fourteen.

Both women pleaded guilty after the original charge of murder were reduced to manslaughter.

Bangor, Maine Man Awaits Sentencing for the Brutal Death of His Son

Braxtyn was taken to the hospital in 2024 with blunt force injuries in 2024, by Bean and Latourette, who told doctors the boy had fallen.

According to WABI-TV, prosecutors on Friday described Braxtyn's condition as "emaciated and battered," revealing prolonged brutal abuse.

The investigation after his death revealed that Bean didn't directly participate in the actions that caused Braxtyn's injuries, but that she did fail to protect him.

Braxtyn's father, Joshua Smith, has pleaded guilty to murder and is awaiting sentencing.