Boy Who Testified Against Mother for Sister’s Death Speaks Out After 17 Years

• 2025-04-08
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Boy Who Testified Against Mother for Sister’s Death Speaks Out After 17 Years

In a heart-wrenching moment in a Florida courtroom, a young boy stepped forward, trembling, but resolute, to testify against his mother for the murder of his 7-year-old sister. Now, 17 years later, A.J. Hutto, who was just 7 years old at the time, opens up about the traumatic events that led to his mother’s conviction, and the lasting emotional scars that remain.

A Boy’s Courage: Testifying Against His Own Mother

In 2008, a small Florida courtroom was shaken when a young A.J. Hutto bravely took the stand, recounting a tragedy no child should ever have to endure. His mother, Amanda Lewis, had allegedly killed his sister, Adrianna, by drowning her in the family’s backyard pool. A.J.’s testimony would change the course of the case, leading to Lewis's conviction for first-degree murder.

At just 7 years old, A.J. didn’t understand the legal significance of his words. He was simply telling the truth—trying to make sense of something he should never have witnessed. Today, at 24 years old, A.J. is still haunted by the memories, but is speaking out for the first time in nearly two decades.

The Tragic Day: What Happened to Adrianna?

The tragic events unfolded on August 8, 2007. Amanda Lewis, a nurse’s assistant working night shifts, came home exhausted and decided to nap while her children watched cartoons. It was a normal, routine day—until the unimaginable occurred.

According to Lewis, she had told her children that they couldn’t go in the pool. Despite the strict rule that no one could swim without an adult present, her children, eager to cool off in the scorching Florida heat, begged her to let them play outside for a while. Moments later, A.J. returned to the house with shocking news: "Mama, Adrianna is in the pool."

When Lewis went outside to check, she found A.J. frantically trying to pull Adrianna from the pool. It was too late. Her daughter was face-down in the water, lifeless. Attempts to revive her failed, and Adrianna was airlifted to the hospital, where she was declared dead.

Initially, authorities believed the drowning was accidental. However, as the investigation progressed, young A.J. gave police a chilling account of what really happened.

A.J.'s Chilling Testimony: "Mama Dunked My Sister"

Months later, during the trial, A.J. gave a heart-wrenching testimony that would forever alter his life. Sitting in front of a room full of strangers, he recalled what he had seen that day. His words were simple, yet they carried the weight of a terrible truth.

“Mama dunked my sister. She done some stuff that she ain’t supposed to, so my mama got mad, so she throwed her in the pool,” A.J. told police in a previous interview.

In court, the boy drew a picture that depicted a stick figure by the pool—his mother standing next to it, and Adrianna floating face down. When asked to explain, A.J. described how his mother had placed her hand over his sister’s face, effectively drowning her. His matter-of-fact tone and innocent clarity left a lasting impression on everyone in the courtroom.

The Verdict: A Life Sentence for a Mother’s Crime

A.J.'s testimony was pivotal in the case, and after hearing the shocking details, the jury convicted Amanda Lewis of first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse. She was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Following the trial, A.J. was adopted by a loving couple and given a fresh start. The boy who once lived in darkness and fear now had a chance at happiness, though the trauma of his past would never fully disappear.

A.J.’s Life After the Trial: "A 360 Difference"

Now, 24, A.J. is a firefighter with a new family and a new life far from the public spotlight. He shared that while his childhood with his mother was filled with physical and emotional abuse, his adopted family gave him the love and support he desperately needed. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had to talk about it,” he said. “But for the most part, I remember the abuse. Sometimes we wouldn’t even see it coming. It was blindsiding.”

Despite the healing, A.J. still struggles with the memories of his sister’s death and the violence he and Adrianna suffered. Yet, he’s grateful that his testimony brought the truth to light and gave his family the chance to escape from their torment.

The Ongoing Impact: A Painful Separation

A.J. hasn’t seen his biological mother since the trial. “It’s court-appointed that we can’t see each other,” he explained. “I’ve wanted to keep it that way—so nothing is brought back up, all the feelings and emotions, the trauma.”

I went viral for telling a court aged 7 that my mom drowned my sister. I'm ending my silence 17 years later https://t.co/3ki6AN2GeD pic.twitter.com/eSz0RJ3qju

— Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) April 6, 2025

While it was heartbreaking to testify against his own mother, A.J. feels a sense of relief that the abuse finally came to an end. The truth was out, and the burden of silence was lifted.

Reflection and Healing: Moving Forward

Now that he’s had time to reflect on his past, A.J. knows that his testimony changed his life forever. But it also gave him a new beginning. His journey from a frightened child to a confident, compassionate adult is a testament to his strength.

As the public grapples with the complexities of this case, A.J. hopes that sharing his story will spark a conversation about childhood trauma, the importance of protecting children, and the lasting impact of abuse.

Share Your Thoughts
What are your memories of this tragic case? Do you think A.J. was the unsung hero of his sister’s case? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and share this story to raise awareness about the hidden horrors of childhood abuse and trauma.