HOLLAND, Michigan — A mother accused of fatally stabbing her son a day before he turned 18 said it was his birthday wish to die, according Michigan authorities and news reports.
Katie Austin Lee, 39, was still holding a kitchen knife when police in Holland arrived at the mother and son’s apartment Friday, February 21, according to court documents obtained by WOOD. She told officers to kill her “so she could be with her son.”
Officers had been dispatched to the home after the mother called 911, telling a dispatcher she was attempting “to get her son to stop breathing for some time, but had been unsuccessful,” WXMI reported, citing court records.
They each tried to overdose on medication the day prior, according to MLive.com. Because her son was still breathing, she told dispatchers she cut his throat and arm.
REST IN PEACE: Austin Dean Pikaart, 17, of Holland, Michigan.
Lee’s son, Austin Dean Pikaart, was discovered lying in a pool of blood and was pronounced dead at the scene, WZZM reported.
According to Lee, it was Pikaart’s wish to die before his 18th birthday, which would have been the next day, according to the Grand Rapids station.
But his aunt, Alisa Pikaart, said her nephew’s “life was tragically cut short.” “Austin was caring, humorous, playful and most of all, loved and cared for his family and friends,” the teen’s aunt said in a GoFundMe. “He loved video games and all things ‘space’ and ‘galaxy’ themed, and someday we plan to launch his ashes into space on an actual rocket ship for his final destination!”
Lee, who ignored officers’ pleas to drop the knife, was tased before being taken into custody, WHTC reported. Court records show Lee was charged with open murder and resisting a police officer.
She was arraigned February 24 and denied bail, records show.
Holland is about a 30-mile drive southwest from Grand Rapids.
By MIKE STUNSON/Miami Herald
