Boy who testified mom killed sister speaks out after 17 years

At just 7 years old, A.J. Hutto bravely testified against his mother, Amanda Lewis, revealing she was responsible for his sister Adrianna’s death. Now 24, A.J. speaks publicly for the first time, still certain: “She’s 100% guilty.”

In 2008, A.J. stunned a Florida courtroom, recounting how “Mama got mad” and “dunked” Adrianna in the pool. Initially ruled accidental, the 7-year-old’s testimony led to a murder investigation and eventually, Lewis’ conviction for first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse. She was sentenced to life in prison.

A.J. had drawn a chilling courtroom sketch, showing his mother pushing Adrianna underwater while he stood by a tree. His calm, childlike explanation gripped the courtroom. “Putting her hand over her face,” he had said when asked how his mother killed his sister.

Lewis claimed she was napping before back-to-school shopping and thought the kids were playing. When A.J. told her Adrianna was in the pool, she rushed out to find her unresponsive. Despite her emotional recount, A.J.’s version ultimately shaped the trial’s outcome.

Following the trial, A.J. was adopted and lived under a new name. Now a firefighter, he tells the Daily Mail he was never coached. “I just told them exactly what I saw word for word,” he said.

Reflecting on his childhood, A.J. recalls “darkness, trauma,” and physical abuse. He describes his sister as his “best friend” and says he hasn’t seen his mother since the trial — and prefers to keep it that way.

“It was heartbreaking,” he admits, “but also a relief.”