A mother has been convicted of murdering her eight-year-old autistic son by poisoning his blackcurrant juice and then lying in bed with his body. Louise Cameron, 41, spiked Rhys's drink with methadone and gave him morphine at their home on Marsh House Avenue in Billingham, County Durham.
Events Leading to the Tragedy
Over the weekend of September 13 and 14, Cameron left a note for her family stating she was "not dying without him." Her sister became concerned when she could not contact her and went to the house on September 15, ahead of a scheduled visit from a social worker. She found Cameron in bed with Rhys, who was dead.
The court heard that Cameron appeared "out of it" and may have attempted a fatal overdose herself. A family member told police that during a pub meal on the Friday, Rhys had a "meltdown," which stressed Cameron. She had hoped to speak with her social worker during a visit that week, but the professional reportedly left early when Rhys was crying because the television was not working.
Court Proceedings
At the University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton, Cameron said: "I've just murdered Rhys. I didn't want to have to stab him or drown him or hurt him." The jury at Teesside Crown Court took less than an hour on Thursday morning (June 11) to reach a guilty verdict. Judge Heather Williams said Cameron will be sentenced on September 18.
The case has shocked the community, with tributes including a balloon release for Rhys.
