At least five people are charged with the death of a 7-year-old Florida child with spina bifida was found emaciated, having been starved to death and weighing around seven pounds.
The child, Deonte Atwell’s “bones were protruding through gaping holes in his skin,” according to authorities.
Atwell was in need of care around the clock, and was fed through a tube. He was found dead on Christmas Day, two days after his 7th birthday. There were reportedly 264 unopened bottles of formula in the home.
His mother, 37-year-old Michelle Doe, his brother, 21-year-old Tyreck Irvin, his grandfather, 70-year-old James Graham, and two home care defendants, 33-year-old nurse Cassandre Lassegue and 47-year-old Samaritin Home Care Provider, Inc. owner Mirlande Moltimer were hit with various charges, Law and Crime reports.
On Wednesday, the Broward County State Attorney’s Office announced a barrage of charges.
The mother Michelle Doe and the child’s brother Tyreck Irvin were “charged with first-degree murder, a capital felony, aggravated child abuse, aggravated manslaughter in the death of a child, and for neglecting 9- and 16-year-old boys,” according to the outlet.
His grandfather Graham is charged with aggravated manslaughter, child neglect, and failure to report abuse. He was issued a $22,000 bond.
Cassandre Lassegue, the nurse and Mirlande Moltimer were accused of third-degree felony murder, Medicaid provider fraud, child neglect, and aggravated manslaughter. The last charge could rack up to 30 years behind bars.
Sadly, authorities did say Atwell “died of severe malnutrition,” and that he died “during a scheme to defraud Medicaid.” They also noted he could have been dead for some time.
