Thomas Strong: System Failed a Bright Teen | Portland News

Portland News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 30, 2026 · 1m

A seventeen-year-old autistic boy, Thomas Strong, was found dead in a garage cardboard box after state police arrived to serve a protection order—his mother and boyfriend now face murder charges. Despite multiple abuse warnings since November 2024, authorities allegedly failed to act, as his mother refused help. Thomas, remembered as a kind, bright student set to graduate in 2026, died from blunt-force trauma with evidence of long-term abuse—including videos recorded by his abusers. His mother received a life sentence with parole after 25 years; her boyfriend, 35 years. This tragic case…