
A tragic case of child neglect and fraud unfolds as family members and home health care providers face charges in the death of a 7-year-old boy with spina bifida in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
At a Glance
- Deonte Atwell, 7, was found severely malnourished on Christmas Day 2023 and pronounced dead at the hospital.
- The child weighed only 7 pounds at the time of death.
- Five individuals, including family members and health care providers, have been charged with various offenses, including murder and Medicaid fraud.
- Investigators discovered 264 unopened bottles of feeding formula in the home
- The case involves an alleged scheme to defraud Medicaid, estimated between $10,000 and $50,000
A Christmas Day Tragedy
On Christmas Day 2023, emergency responders in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, made a heartbreaking discovery. Seven-year-old Deonte Atwell, a child diagnosed with thoracic spina bifida and hydrocephalus at birth, was found in a state of severe malnourishment. Despite being rushed to Broward Health Medical Center, young Deonte was pronounced dead, weighing a mere seven pounds – a weight more typical for a newborn than a 7-year-old child.
Mom, brother, grandfather and caregivers are charged with starving 7-year-old disabled boy to death.
https://t.co/fZ88p18xZb— WBRC 6 News (@WBRCnews) September 12, 2024
A Case of Severe Neglect
Deonte’s condition required around-the-clock skilled nursing care, which investigators allege was not provided. The severity of the neglect became apparent when emergency workers found Deonte with signs of prolonged maltreatment. In a shocking revelation, authorities discovered 264 unopened bottles of Deonte’s feeding formula in the home, raising questions about the care he received in his final months.
“It’s sad that Deonte had to die in this manner,” said Fort Lauderdale Police Det. Jacqueline Sanchez.
Arrests and Charges
Following a thorough investigation, multiple arrests were made on Tuesday. Those charged include Deonte’s mother, Michelle Doe; his brother, Tyreck Irvin; and his grandfather, James Graham. Doe and Irwin were both reportedly charged with first-degree murder, along with aggravated manslaughter of a child and child abuse, and child neglect. Graham, meanwhile, was charged with manslaughter, neglect, and failure to report child abuse. Additionally, Mirlande Moltimer Ameda, the owner of the home health provider, and nurse Cassandre Lassegue face charges including murder and Medicaid fraud. The arrests shed light on a disturbing scheme allegedly involving both family members and healthcare professionals.
“I believe that had she been there, maybe she could have seen the deterioration that Deonte was going through and maybe possibly have said something,” Detective Sanchez commented, referring to nurse Lassegue who allegedly falsified attendance records.
A Complex Web of Deceit
The case took an increasingly troubling turn as investigators uncovered evidence of Medicaid fraud. It’s alleged that the suspects were involved in a scheme to defraud Medicaid of an estimated $10,000 to $50,000. This financial aspect adds another layer of complexity to an already tragic situation, suggesting that greed may have played a role in the neglect that led to Deonte’s death.
Legal Proceedings and Community Response
As the legal process unfolds, some suspects are being held without bond, while others face specific conditions if released. James Graham, Deonte’s grandfather, was given a $22,000 bond with GPS monitoring if posted, while the other four suspects are held without bond. The community has been urged to come forward with any additional information that might aid the investigation.
This heartbreaking case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of children with special needs and the critical importance of proper care and oversight. As the judicial system takes its course, many are left wondering how such a tragedy could occur in a system designed to protect the most vulnerable members of our society.
Sources
- Family, home nurses charged in starvation murder of 7-year-old in Fort Lauderdale
- Boy, 7, Died of ‘Severe Malnutrition’ on Christmas Day. His Family and Caregivers Are Charged in His Death
- Mom, brother, grandfather and caregivers charged with starving disabled boy to death