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A 31-year-old man, Jeremy Graham, has been arrested as the sixth suspect in the heartbreaking case of 7-year-old Deonte Atwell’s death, Fort Lauderdale authorities announced Wednesday. Graham, the uncle of the young victim, faces charges of aggravated manslaughter of a child, child neglect, and failure to report child abuse.
The arrest follows a lengthy investigation into the tragic events of December 25, 2023, when Deonte died under severe neglect.
The Christmas Tragedy
On Christmas Day, Fort Lauderdale police and fire rescue responded to a medical emergency at Deonte’s home near Southwest 11th Street. The boy was transported to Broward Health Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Autopsy findings revealed the 7-year-old suffered from extreme malnutrition, weighing only 7 pounds at the time of his death.
Investigative Findings
Authorities disclosed that Deonte had a complex medical history, including thoracic spina bifida and hydrocephalus, requiring specialized, around-the-clock care. Despite these needs, the investigation revealed gross neglect by family members and medical professionals.
Police found 264 unopened bottles of the child’s feeding formula at the home and evidence suggesting a Medicaid fraud scheme involving tens of thousands of dollars.
According to the Broward State Attorney’s Office, Deonte’s condition was ignored by both his caregivers and medical personnel, leading to his agonizing death. Prosecutors stated he appeared to have been deceased for some time before hospital staff pronounced him dead.
Other Arrests in the Case
Five additional individuals have been charged in Deonte’s death:
Michelle Doe (37): Deonte’s mother, charged with first-degree murder, aggravated manslaughter, child abuse, and neglect.
Tyreck Irvin (21): Deonte’s brother, facing similar charges as Doe.
James Graham (70): Deonte’s grandfather, charged with aggravated manslaughter, child neglect, and failure to report abuse.
Mirlande Moltimer Ameda (47): Owner of Samaritin Home Care Provider, Inc., charged with felony murder, manslaughter, and Medicaid fraud.
Cassandre Lassegue (33): Assigned nurse, accused of first-degree murder, child abuse, Medicaid fraud, and aggravated manslaughter. Authorities allege she falsified records and failed to visit the home regularly, allowing Deonte’s condition to worsen unnoticed.
Detective Jacqueline Sanchez noted that the lack of proper nursing care played a significant role in Deonte’s prolonged suffering. “It’s heartbreaking to know the people responsible for his care failed him so completely,” she said.
Additional Charges and Consequences
Michelle Doe and Tyreck Irvin also face child neglect charges involving two other boys, ages 9 and 16, who lived in the same household.
Meanwhile, Jeremy Graham, already on probation for an armed aggravated battery charge, is scheduled to appear in court Thursday for probation violation.
Stay informed and help raise awareness about child neglect and abuse. Follow Savage RoyalT Ent for updates on this and similar cases as we push for justice for Deonte Atwell and others like him.
This tragic case highlights the dire consequences of neglect and the responsibility of caregivers and professionals to protect vulnerable children. Let’s honor Deonte’s memory by advocating for accountability and systemic change.
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