A fourth family member has been arrested in connection with the tragic death of 7-year-old Deonte Atwell, a boy who weighed only seven pounds when he was found lifeless on Christmas Day last year in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Deonte’s uncle, Jeremy Graham, was taken into custody earlier this week and now faces charges of aggravated manslaughter of a child, neglect of a child causing great harm, and failing to report child abuse, according to official records.
This heartbreaking case also involves Deonte’s mother, 37-year-old Michelle Doe, his 21-year-old brother Tyreck Irvin, and his 70-year-old grandfather James Graham. Alongside them, two Medicaid home care workers, nurse Cassandre Lassegue, 33, and Mirlande Moltimer, 47, the owner of Samaritin Home Care Provider, Inc., have also been charged.
Deonte’s story is a devastating one. Born with thoracic spina bifida and hydrocephalus, he required constant medical attention, including the use of feeding and breathing tubes. Despite his complex medical needs, authorities discovered 264 unopened bottles of feeding formula in the family’s home after his death, raising serious questions about his care.
When investigators arrived at the family’s residence on Southwest 11th Street, they found horrifying evidence that Deonte had died from severe malnutrition. His bones were visible through open wounds on his skin. Authorities believe he may have been dead for some time before a 911 call was made, claiming he was in respiratory distress. Prosecutors also uncovered what they described as a scheme to defraud Medicaid of more than $10,000, suggesting that funds meant for Deonte’s care were misused.
Michelle Doe, who previously started a GoFundMe campaign claiming her son had passed away due to his medical conditions, now faces serious charges. These include first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, aggravated manslaughter, and neglecting her two other children, aged 9 and 16. If convicted, she could face life in prison or even harsher penalties.
Deonte’s brother Tyreck Irvin faces similar charges. Their grandfather, James Graham, is charged with aggravated manslaughter, child neglect, and failure to report abuse. Meanwhile, the nurse, Cassandre Lassegue, and the home care provider, Mirlande Moltimer, are accused of third-degree murder, Medicaid fraud, child neglect, and aggravated manslaughter. Prosecutors allege that Lassegue stopped visiting the home for extended periods, despite claiming in her records that she had been providing care. She also faces an additional charge of first-degree murder.
Jeremy Graham, the latest to be arrested, is currently in the Broward County Jail with a bond set at $121,000.
This tragic case has not only shocked the Fort Lauderdale community but has also highlighted serious concerns about the misuse of Medicaid resources and the failure to protect vulnerable children like Deonte. Authorities continue to investigate, ensuring that justice is served for the little boy whose life ended far too soon.
