A mother is set to be sentenced after confessing to the murder of her eight-year-old autistic son. Louise Cameron, 41, poisoned Rhys by spiking his blackcurrant juice with methadone and administering morphine at their home on Marsh House Avenue in Billingham, County Durham.
Background of the Incident
Over the weekend of September 13 and 14, Cameron left a note for her family stating she was "not dying without him." According to reports from Teesside Crown Court, her sister grew concerned when she could not reach Cameron. On September 15, the sister arrived at the house ahead of a scheduled visit from a social worker. She found Cameron lying in bed with Rhys, who was already dead.
Court Proceedings
The jury heard that Cameron appeared disoriented and may have attempted a fatal overdose. A family member told police that Cameron had been stressed during a pub meal on the Friday before the incident, when Rhys experienced a meltdown. The relative added that Cameron had hoped to speak with her social worker during a visit that week, but the professional allegedly left early when Rhys was crying because the television was not working.
At the University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton, Cameron reportedly said: "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 sentencing will take place on September 18.
