Man admits to killing mother, who twice sought court protection from him, in her Uptown condo

Nicholas D. DeRousse, 33, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for the March 2023 death of his mother, Stephanie DeRousse, 60, in her Uptown condo. The court accepted a plea agreement that recommends a sentence of 21¾ years, with DeRousse expected to serve about 13 years in prison. Law enforcement captured him in Kentucky after he fled to Hawaii following the murder. An autopsy indicated that blunt force trauma and strangulation caused his mother's death, with evidence of numerous injuries.

Stephanie DeRousse had sought court protection from her son due to past violent behavior, including two petitions filed in 2017 and 2018. The case raises significant issues surrounding mental health treatment and domestic violence prevention. This incident reflects broader societal challenges regarding the safety of individuals with a history of violence. Sentencing is scheduled for November 25, 2025.