Florida Boy Dies of Starvation Weighing 7 Pounds, Family Members Booked

Florida: In a tragic case that has shocked the Fort Lauderdale community, five individuals have been indicted and arrested in connection to the starvation death of a 7-year-old boy, Deonte Atwell. The child, who was found dead on Christmas Day 2023, weighed just seven pounds at the time of his death. The Broward County State Attorney’s Office revealed grim details about the case, including severe malnutrition and neglect, which led to multiple charges, including first-degree murder.

The Tragic Death of Deonte Atwell

Deonte Atwell was a medically fragile child from birth, diagnosed with thoracic spina bifida and hydrocephalus, conditions that required constant medical care. He relied on a feeding and breathing tube for survival and required 24/7 nursing care. However, despite these serious medical needs, Deonte was found dead in his home under shocking circumstances.

On Christmas Day 2023, emergency services responded to a 911 call at Deonte’s residence, where they discovered the boy’s lifeless body. Autopsy reports revealed that Deonte died of “severe malnutrition,” with his bones visibly protruding through his skin. Disturbingly, the state attorney’s office noted that the child had likely been dead for “quite some time” before authorities were called. Investigators also discovered 264 unopened bottles of Deonte’s feeding formula in the home, a stark indication of the neglect he endured in his final months.

Charges Against Family Members and Caregivers

Five people have been arrested in connection to Deonte’s death, including members of his family and his caregivers. Those arrested include Deonte’s mother, brother, grandfather, his nurse, and the owner of the home care company responsible for his medical care. All face serious charges, including first-degree murder, aggravated manslaughter of a child, and child neglect. Michelle Doe, Deonte’s mother, faces charges of first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, and aggravated manslaughter. She is also charged with neglecting two of her other children, aged 9 and 16. Tyreck Irvin, Deonte’s older brother, faces similar charges of first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, and aggravated manslaughter.

James Graham, Deonte’s grandfather, is charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child, child neglect, and failure to report child abuse. His failure to act, despite witnessing the ongoing neglect, contributed to the child’s tragic death, according to investigators. Two caregivers were also arrested for their roles in Deonte’s death. Mirlande Moltimer, the owner of Samaritin Home Care Provider, Inc., is charged with aggravated manslaughter, third-degree felony murder, Medicaid provider fraud, and child neglect. Cassandre Lassegue, the nurse assigned to care for Deonte, faces first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, and Medicaid fraud charges.

Medicaid Fraud Investigation

In addition to the horrific neglect leading to Deonte’s death, the investigation has uncovered a broader Medicaid fraud scheme involving those responsible for his care. The home care provider and the nurse employed to care for Deonte were both implicated in a Medicaid scheme, further compounding the negligence and mistreatment of the child.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Deonte’s death and the Medicaid fraud scheme. The case has raised serious questions about the failure of both family members and medical caregivers to protect the life of a vulnerable child who depended on them for survival.