Man Who Testified as a Child Against His Mother Speaks Out Years Later

AJ Hutto, now 24, has spoken publicly for the first time since delivering pivotal testimony at age seven that led to his mother’s conviction for the murder of his sister, Adrianna. In a 2008 Florida trial, AJ recounted seeing Amanda Lewis drown Adrianna in their backyard pool. His chilling courtroom statements and a child’s drawing helped convict Lewis of first-degree murder and child abuse, earning her a life sentence.

Now a firefighter, AJ stands by his testimony, asserting he wasn’t coached and simply relayed what he saw. “One hundred percent guilty,” he told the Daily Mail, describing his early life with Lewis as filled with abuse and fear. Autopsy findings supported AJ’s claims, revealing facial bruising consistent with force.

Lewis has maintained her innocence, insisting Adrianna’s death was accidental. She’s now seeking to reopen her case, citing a passed polygraph and a new attorney. She previously declined a plea deal that would have reduced her sentence to ten years.

AJ, who was adopted after the trial, says he has no contact with Lewis and no longer considers her his mother. He describes life with his adoptive family as a complete contrast to the trauma he experienced in childhood.