In a deeply disturbing case in Florida, multiple family members and caregivers have been arrested and charged in connection with the starvation death of a 7-year-old boy named D. Atwell, who died from severe malnutrition on Christmas Day last year. This incident has highlighted significant care gaps and potential fraud in the home healthcare system.
The most recent arrest in this heartbreaking case involved Deonte’s uncle, Jeremy G., who was arrested and charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child, neglect of a child causing great bodily harm, and failure to report child abuse.
This arrest adds to the list of those charged with Deonte’s death, which includes the boy’s 37-year-old mother, M. Doe; his 21-year-old brother, T. Irvin; his 70-year-old grandfather, James G.; a 33-year-old nurse, C. Lassegue; and the 47-year-old owner of the health care provider, M. Moltimer.
Each individual faces serious charges in connection with Deonte’s neglect and subsequent death, who suffered from severe medical conditions such as thoracic spina bifida and hydrocephalus, necessitating round-the-clock care involving feeding and breathing tubes.
On the evening of Christmas Day, December 25, 2023, law enforcement responded to a 911 call reporting Atwell’s respiratory distress. First responders arrived at the home and discovered the boy unresponsive.
He was pronounced dead less than an hour later in the hospital. Medical professionals noted that Atwell appeared to have died some time before the 911 call was placed. An autopsy revealed that he weighed less than seven pounds when he died, with bones visible through his skin as a result of severe malnutrition.
Investigators searching the home discovered 264 unopened bottles of feeding formula, indicating that the boy had not received adequate nutrition despite its availability. Atwell was born as a “medically complex child” with thoracic spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
He required skilled nursing care 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and was fitted with feeding and breathing tubes. The subsequent investigation revealed that Atwell’s death was part of a larger scheme to defraud Medicaid, estimated at more than $10,000 but less than $50,000, and allegedly orchestrated by those in charge of his care. Lassegue is accused of falsifying records by claiming to provide care when she did not, which contributed to Atwell’s death.
The defendants have been arrested and are currently awaiting trial. Doe and Irvin, Atwell’s mother and brother, are charged with first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, aggravated manslaughter of a child, neglect of a 16-year-old child, and neglect of a 9-year-old child. If convicted, they could face life in prison or the death penalty.
James, the child’s grandfather, is charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child, neglect of a 7-year-old child, and failure to report child abuse, but has been granted a $22,000 bond due to his limited involvement.
Lassegue and Moltimer face charges of third-degree felony murder, Medicaid provider fraud, child neglect, and aggravated manslaughter.
These charges carry serious consequences, including up to 30 years in prison for aggravated manslaughter alone. Lassegue has been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse. Jeremy faces several charges, including aggravated manslaughter. Jeremy is currently being held in the county jail, with a $121,000 bond.
This case has not only devastated a family, but it has also raised serious questions about the oversight of home healthcare providers and the mechanisms in place to protect the most vulnerable.
As investigators work to piece together the events that led up to Deonte’s death, the community and advocacy groups are calling for stricter regulations and oversight to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Deonte’s death serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of vigilance and care when managing the health and welfare of children, particularly those with complex medical needs. Advocates for the rights and protection of children in similar medical and living situations are keeping a close eye on the ongoing legal proceedings.