Mom Arrested for Allegedly Beating Autistic Son Over Kiss

In Miami, Florida, a 27-year-old woman named Kelly Michel was arrested on February 26, 2026, following allegations of child abuse. The incident involved her 7-year-old autistic son, who sustained visible injuries, including bruises on his face and body, and marks on his arm. These injuries were reportedly inflicted by Michel using a brown belt after the child kissed a classmate's cheek at school.

The boy's injuries were noticed by a teacher at his aftercare program, leading to an investigation by child protective services. During an interview on February 24, 2026, the child described how his mother used the belt, causing the marks and a bruise near his eye. A case coordinator concluded that the child must be removed from the home and was taken to the police department's special victims unit.

Michel was arrested two days later in the Overtown neighborhood and booked into jail. An affidavit indicated she confessed to hitting her son multiple times on his arm and buttocks and that the belt accidentally struck his eye. She is facing a charge of child abuse without great bodily harm and was ordered by a judge to have no contact with her son. Michel reportedly works as an assistant director for the National Women's Shelter Network.