AJ Hutto spoke out for the first time in years about the tragic night he saw his mother drown his sister. At just seven years old, AJ gave a powerful testimony during the 2008 trial of his mom, Amanda Lewis, who was accused of killing his seven-year-old sister Adrianna in their Florida backyard pool.
Now 24, AJ insists he told the truth back then and stands fully by his statements. His testimony, along with a drawing he made showing the event, played a key role in the conviction. The drawing showed three people standing near a pool, accompanied by AJ’s own words that explained the frightening scene.
AJ described how his mother held Adrianna’s head underwater, covering her face. Despite his young age, the court found AJ to be a reliable witness. Some thought he might have been coached, but AJ firmly denies this, saying he saw what happened and reported it exactly.
Amanda Lewis was found guilty of first-degree murder and child abuse and is serving a life sentence plus 30 years more. She has always claimed her daughter fell by accident. But the autopsy showed bruises resembling a handprint on Adrianna’s face, backing AJ’s account. AJ told police his mother became angry because Adrianna sprayed glass cleaner inside the house and “dunked” her sister in the pool.
The family home was described as neglected, with few toys or resources for the children. After the trial, AJ was adopted and moved on to build a positive life. He is now a married firefighter and has had no contact with Amanda, refusing to call her his mother.
AJ recalls his early years as full of darkness and physical abuse that was often sudden and unexpected. He says his life now is “night and day” different from his childhood.
@dailymail Boy who sent his mom to jail 17 years ago breaks his silence. He witnessed his mom kill his sister 💔 Read the full story on DailyMail.com. Link in bio. #news #crime #murder #mom #kid #america
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Meanwhile, Amanda Lewis is still seeking to overturn her conviction. She recently hired a new lawyer and is fighting to reopen the case. Reports say she passed a polygraph test and refused a plea deal for manslaughter.
Despite her efforts, AJ remains unwavering: “I know what I saw. I lived it.”
