A mother in Michigan is facing serious allegations after being accused of murdering her son just one day before his 18th birthday. Katie Lee, 39, has been charged with open murder, along with resisting and obstructing a police officer, according to court records.
On February 21, police were called to Lee’s home in Holland due to a reported domestic incident. Upon arrival, officers found Lee holding a knife. She was taken into custody after police used a Taser to subdue her.
Inside the apartment, the lifeless body of 17-year-old Austin Dean Pikaart was discovered. Reports indicate that Lee contacted 911, claiming she could not get her son to breathe after trying for some time to revive him.
Allegations suggest that Lee and Austin had attempted suicide together by taking an overdose of medication. After Austin lost consciousness, it is claimed that Lee used the knife to inflict harm on him.
Authorities report that Lee expressed a desire for the police to kill her, stating she wanted to be with her son. A detective shared in court that Lee claimed her son asked her for help in stopping his breath because he didn’t want to reach adulthood.
Lee has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and her bond has been denied. She is scheduled to return to court on March 4.
Austin is remembered as a bright and kind individual who loved cats, science, books, and spending time with his dad fishing, as well as enjoying rollercoasters and video games, according to his obituary.
