NewsUK NewsCourt caseLouise Cameron, a mum from Billingham, has been convicted of murdering her eight-year-old autistic son Rhys after spiking his blackcurrant juice with methadone and giving him morphine. She left a chilling note saying she was "not dying without him".Laura Hill and Esther Halligan13:32, 12 Jun 2026A mother from Billingham has been found guilty of murdering her young son. Louise Cameron administered morphine to eight-year-old Rhys and laced his blackcurrant juice with methadone.‌Cameron left a note for her family, over the weekend of September 13 and 14 , stating she was "not dying without him". Teesside Crown Court was told that Cameron's sister grew worried after failing to reach her that weekend, prompting her to visit the house on Monday, September 15, ahead of a planned call from Cameron's social worker.‌Upon arrival, she discovered her sister lying in bed alongside Rhys, who was already dead. The jury heard that Cameron appeared "out of it" and may have attempted to take a fatal overdose herself.‌A family member told police that Cameron had been under considerable strain during a pub meal the previous Friday, when Rhys, who was autistic, "had a meltdown". The relative revealed that Cameron had hoped to speak with her social worker during a visit that week, but claimed the professional had "left early" when Rhys was crying "because the television wasn't working".Article continues belowAt the University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton, Cameron reportedly told staff: "I've just murdered Rhys. I didn't want to have to stab him or drown him or hurt him.", reports Teesside Live.The jury took less than an hour on Thursday morning to reach their verdict. Judge Heather Williams confirmed that Cameron will be sentenced on Thursday, September 18.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌HospitalsCourt caseCrown courtSocial workersAutism