In 2008, a Florida courtroom was gripped by a heart-wrenching testimony from a seven-year-old boy, AJ Hutton, who became the key witness in the case against his biological mother, Amanda Lewis, who was accused of murdering his sister, Adrianna. Nearly two decades later, AJ, now 24, has come forward to share his story once again, providing clarity on a tragic and traumatic event that has shaped his life.
At the time of the trial, AJ’s words and actions became pivotal in the conviction of his mother, Amanda Lewis. His testimony, which included a drawing of the scene at the pool where his sister died, revealed the chilling reality of what happened that day. AJ’s account, both harrowing and heartbreaking, has remained a haunting part of the case, but now, as an adult, AJ is ready to share the details of his story.
A Child Witness to a Family Tragedy
In 2008, AJ Hutton was just seven years old when he witnessed his mother, Amanda Lewis, drown his seven-year-old sister, Adrianna, in their backyard swimming pool. Despite his age, AJ provided a compelling and vivid account of what he saw. In the courtroom, AJ described how his mother held Adrianna’s head underwater and covered her face with her hand. His testimony became crucial in revealing the truth behind Adrianna’s tragic death.
The drawing that AJ presented in court depicted three figures by the pool—AJ, his mother, and his sister. Accompanying the drawing were AJ’s handwritten words: “She did” and “To Bad,” which, when explained, meant “she died” and “it was scary.” His powerful testimony helped shift the case from what initially appeared to be a tragic accident to a clear case of murder.
Amanda Lewis and AJ Hutton. Credit / YouTube
The Role of AJ’s Testimony in the Trial
AJ’s testimony was both difficult to hear and critical in building the case against Amanda Lewis. Despite his young age, Judge Allen Register ruled that AJ was a competent witness, and his words were considered strong evidence. Though some skeptics believed AJ may have been influenced by prosecutors, AJ maintains that his testimony was truthful and independent.
“I don’t believe I was coached or anything like that,” AJ said. “I just told them exactly what I saw, word for word.” His confidence and consistency helped sway the court, and his testimony ultimately played a vital role in securing the conviction of his mother.
The Evidence That Shook the Case
Initially, authorities believed that Adrianna’s death might have been a tragic accident, especially since the pool incident seemed accidental at first. However, the autopsy revealed significant evidence that pointed to foul play. Adrianna had bruising on her face that resembled a handprint, and this discovery raised serious concerns.
AJ’s description of his mother “dunking” his sister after a moment of anger over a seemingly minor incident—Adrianna allegedly spraying glass cleaner in the house—added weight to the growing suspicions. The investigators found further signs of neglect in the family home, including the lack of basic resources and toys for the children, further confirming the abusive environment in which they lived.
AJ told police that his mom ‘dunked’ his sister in the water. Credit: ABC News.
Amanda Lewis’s Conviction and the Ongoing Fight for Justice
Amanda Lewis was convicted of first-degree murder and child abuse. The court sentenced her to life in prison without the possibility of parole, in addition to an extra 30 years for her crimes. Despite her conviction, Lewis has consistently maintained her innocence, claiming that Adrianna’s death was a tragic accident.
Over the years, she has sought to overturn her conviction, believing that she was wrongfully convicted. From her current location at Homestead Correctional Institution for Women in South Florida, Lewis has recently retained a new attorney to help reopen her case. She even passed a polygraph test and turned down a plea deal that would have reduced her sentence in exchange for a guilty plea to manslaughter.
AJ’s New Life and the Ongoing Struggle for Closure
Since the trial, AJ has built a new life for himself. Adopted by a loving family, he is now a firefighter, happily married, and has left the darkness of his childhood behind. Reflecting on his past, AJ describes the stark contrast between his childhood home and the home he was adopted into. He refers to his childhood with Amanda as “darkness, trauma, and a lot of abuse.”
“Both Adrianna and I were physically abused,” AJ said. “Sometimes it came out of nowhere—we’d be completely blindsided.” This emotional and physical abuse left deep scars on AJ, but he has worked hard to heal from these wounds.
In contrast to his adoptive family, where he feels loved and supported, AJ calls his early years “night and day.” Despite the horrors of his past, AJ has chosen to move forward, leaving the painful memories behind. He no longer refers to Amanda Lewis as his mother, further signaling his emotional break from his biological family.
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A Struggle for Answers and Justice
While AJ has found peace in his new life, the fight for justice continues. Amanda Lewis’s quest to have her conviction overturned means that the case remains unresolved for many, especially for those who continue to follow the story. Her claims of innocence and the reopening of the case raise questions about the fairness of the trial and the truth behind Adrianna’s death.
For AJ, the trauma of witnessing his sister’s death and the years of abuse have not been easy to overcome. But as a firefighter, AJ has found a sense of purpose in helping others, and he is determined to move forward with his life.
The Lasting Impact of a Tragic Story
AJ’s bravery in speaking out about his traumatic past has shed light on a case that has haunted many for years. His testimony was pivotal in securing a conviction for Amanda Lewis, and his voice continues to bring closure to a story that still lingers in the hearts and minds of many.
As the years pass, the case of Adrianna’s death may eventually fade from the headlines, but for AJ, it will always be a part of his story. He is determined to use his voice to raise awareness about child abuse and the lasting impact it has on survivors.
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