AJ Hutto’s life was forever changed at just seven years old when he was forced to testify in court against his biological mother, Amanda Lewis, after witnessing her murder his sister, Adrianna. AJ’s courageous testimony played a pivotal role in bringing justice to his late sister, despite the young boy’s deep emotional trauma. Now, years later, AJ, who was adopted after the trial, is speaking out about his harrowing experience, and the impact it’s had on his life.
The Heartbreaking Testimony of a Child Witness
In 2008, AJ Hutto gave a chilling testimony in a Florida courtroom. He recounted the moment when his mother, Amanda Lewis, drowned his sister Adrianna in the family swimming pool. The then-seven-year-old boy told the court that he saw his mother “dunk” his sister’s head underwater, ultimately leading to her tragic death. His testimony, paired with a drawing he created during the investigation, became crucial in securing a conviction for Lewis, who was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for first-degree murder.
The drawing, which AJ presented in court, depicted a stick figure of his mother holding Adrianna’s head underwater. The words “She Did” were written on the drawing, with “To Bad” indicating how scared the boy felt. AJ also described how his mother allegedly “put her hand over [Adrianna’s] face” before drowning her. Despite his tender age, AJ’s account was seen as credible by the court, and it helped to prove that Adrianna’s death was not an accident, as Lewis had initially claimed.
The Shock of the Verdict: A Mother’s Denial
When the jury returned a guilty verdict against Amanda Lewis, she was sentenced to life in prison. Despite the overwhelming evidence, Lewis has continued to protest her innocence, maintaining that Adrianna’s death was a tragic accident. She even went as far as hiring an attorney to help reopen her case, hoping to overturn the conviction. Lewis has refused to accept a plea deal, despite passing a lie detector test, and remains adamant that she did not intentionally kill her daughter.
AJ’s reaction to his mother’s defense is one of firm belief in his testimony. “One hundred percent guilty. I stand by every word I said,” AJ stated in a recent interview, 17 years after the trial. Despite the passage of time, the pain of that traumatic day remains with him, and he has cut all ties with his biological mother. AJ has refused to call her “mom,” a reflection of his desire to distance himself from his past and the abuse he endured.
.
Amanda Lewis has protested her innocence ever since the trial in 2008 (ABC News)
A Childhood Filled with Trauma and Abuse
AJ’s childhood with Amanda Lewis was marked by physical abuse and neglect. He described his early years as “just darkness” and “trauma,” recalling how both he and Adrianna were often physically abused by their mother. “Sometimes we wouldn’t even see it coming. It was literally sometimes we were blindsided,” AJ said. His experience contrasts sharply with the loving and supportive environment he found in his adoptive family, who he described as “night and day” compared to his biological home.
The home AJ and Adrianna were raised in was reportedly squalid, with few toys for the children and an atmosphere of fear and control. AJ’s account paints a heartbreaking picture of a childhood devoid of safety and affection. He explained how, during their time with Amanda, there was always a sense of fear, not knowing when the next act of violence or abuse would occur.
AJ told police that his mom ‘dunked’ his sister in the water (ABC News)
AJ’s Recovery and Moving Forward
Despite the pain of his early years, AJ has found a path forward. Now 24, AJ is married and works as a firefighter, a career he chose to help others and build a life of service and positivity. He credits his adoptive family for giving him the chance to heal and find stability. However, the trauma of his early life still lingers, and the memories of his childhood are something he continues to grapple with.
AJ’s story is not just one of tragedy, but also of survival and recovery. His decision to speak out about his experience is part of his ongoing healing process. By sharing his story, AJ hopes to raise awareness about the lasting effects of child abuse and to help others who have experienced similar trauma.
Full Story:
For further reading on how abuse can affect a child’s emotional and psychological well-being, check out these articles:
Raising Awareness: The Importance of Protecting Children from Abuse
AJ’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting children from abuse and ensuring they have the resources to heal. The emotional and psychological impact of witnessing or experiencing abuse can last for a lifetime, affecting a person’s ability to trust, form relationships, and navigate the world. For children who have been exposed to violence, it is essential to provide safe spaces, therapeutic support, and interventions that can help them heal and rebuild their lives.
This case also highlights the need for continued advocacy for child protection and the importance of ensuring that children who witness violence are given the support they need. AJ’s bravery in testifying against his own mother is something that cannot be understated, as it took immense courage for a seven-year-old to confront such a traumatic reality. It is crucial that we continue to educate ourselves on the signs of child abuse and work towards creating a society where children feel safe, loved, and protected.
Conclusion: A Story of Resilience and Strength
AJ’s journey from a traumatized child witness to a resilient adult serves as an inspiration for those who may be experiencing similar struggles. His story is not just about the tragedy he witnessed but also about the strength he found within himself to overcome the darkness of his past. By sharing his experience, AJ hopes to give a voice to other survivors of abuse and encourage society to take meaningful steps in protecting vulnerable children.
The pain of witnessing a loved one commit such an unforgivable act is something that AJ will carry with him for the rest of his life. However, his ability to survive, heal, and find a new sense of purpose speaks to the incredible resilience of the human spirit. As we continue to support victims of child abuse and advocate for stronger protections, we can work toward a future where children are no longer subjected to such horrors.
