Lawmakers order independent review into circumstances surrounding Bangor boy’s death

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - Lawmakers have called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the abuse and murder of a 10-year-old boy in Bangor.

Braxtyn Smith died in 2024 following prolonged abuse. Three family members were charged in connection with his death.

His mother and paternal grandmother were sentenced on manslaughter charges earlier this summer. His father, Joshua Smith, is expected to be sentenced for murder next month.

Committee votes for OPEGA investigation

The Government Oversight Committee voted Wednesday to have the Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability, or OPEGA, investigate the circumstances that lead to Braxtyn’s death.

Some lawmakers voiced frustrations over a lack of transparency from DHHS as the department has not said if they were aware of the Smith family, citing ongoing legal proceedings.

The department said a memo detailing any knowledge they had of Braxtyn and his family is expected to be released following the final sentencing in the case.

“All three adults involved in this case have been found guilty. So, If sentencing for the third one is the reason the department doesn’t come here to answer questions or answer your questions... is just another stall tactic in my opinion,” said Sen. Brad Farrin, R-Norridgewock. “For them to continue to hide behind confidentiality when a child is dead, three adults have been found guilty, two of them already sentenced, and we can’t get simple answers to questions is damn frustrating.“

Investigation to include homeschooling oversight

OPEGA, a non partisan watchdog group, will be investigating the state’s involvement with the family as well as Braxtyn’s homeschooling.

One lawmaker said while there is no link between homeschooling and abuse, a lack of oversight from people outside the family unit such as teachers prevents abuse from being noticed.