UPDATE January 19, 2026: She’s been sentenced to 60-90 years in prison.
Before the sentence was handed down, Lee addressed the court. She emphasized her love for her son, offered apologies to family members, first responders, detectives and the community, and discussed years of mental health struggles.
“I never intended for him to suffer in any way. In my broken thinking, I was saving him from it,” she told the court Monday. “Every day, every thought, every nightmare, every flashback, every moment without him, I’ll forever be punished. But I know that’s not enough. I will spend the rest of my life in prison trying to process what I could have done differently and how I could have reached out and continuing to speak out about the warning signs that I so clearly see now.”
“I didn’t do this out of hatred. It was out of love,” Lee said. “The world is not going to be OK for him.” She told dispatchers when she called to report the incident in February 2025.
Credit: WoodTV.com
ORIGINAL: A Holland mother who told authorities she killed her son to fulfill his “death wish” has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, torture and assaulting a police officer.
Katie Austin Lee, 40, admitted in Ottawa County Circuit Court that she gave her 17-year-old son, Austin Dean Pikaart, a “mind-altering substance” before slashing his wrist and throat inside their Bay Pointe Apartments home on Feb. 21, 2025. His 18th birthday was the next day.
Lee called 911 saying her “son wouldn’t stop breathing.” When police arrived, she was still holding a knife and refused to drop it until officers used a Taser. Pikaart was found dead from a large cut to his throat.
Prosecutors say Lee entered the plea on October 22 just before her trial was set to start. Under the deal, she faces between 60 and 90 years in prison when sentenced Jan. 19, 2026.
During the hearing, Judge Jon Hulsing told her she wouldn’t be eligible for parole until she was “over 100.” She tearfully said she understood.
Family members described Austin as a caring and funny teen who loved video games and anything “space or galaxy themed.” They plan to one day send his ashes into space.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 to reach the Michigan Crisis Access Line for free, confidential help 24/7.
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