A mother has been convicted of murder after poisoning her eight-year-old autistic son. Louise Cameron, 41, spiked Rhys's blackcurrant juice with methadone and administered morphine to him at their home on Marsh House Avenue in Billingham, County Durham.
Details of the Crime
Cameron left a note for her family over the weekend of September 13 and 14, stating she was "not dying without him." According to TeessideLive, Teesside Crown Court heard that Cameron's sister became concerned when she could not reach her that weekend. She arrived at the house on September 15, ahead of a scheduled visit from Cameron's social worker, and found her sister lying in bed with Rhys, who was deceased.
The jury was informed that Cameron appeared "out of it" and may have attempted a fatal overdose herself. A family member told police that Cameron had been stressed during a pub meal on the Friday, when Rhys, who had autism, experienced a "meltdown." The relative said Cameron had hoped to speak with her social worker during a visit that week but claimed the professional had "left early" when Rhys was crying because the television was not working.
Court Proceedings
At the University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton, the court heard Cameron say: "I've just murdered Rhys. I didn't want to have to stab him or drown him or hurt him." The jury deliberated for less than an hour on Thursday morning (June 11) before reaching a verdict. Judge Heather Williams announced that Cameron will be sentenced on September 18.
