Arrests Made in Connection to Death of 7-Year-Old Deonte Atwell in Ft. Lauderdale

The tragic death of 7-year-old Deonte Atwell in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. has shocked the community and led to the arrest of five individuals in connection to his malnutrition-related passing on Christmas Day last year. The autopsy revealed the horrifying extent of his suffering, with his bones protruding through his skin.

The Broward State Attorney’s Office announced the arrest of Michelle Doe, the boy’s mother, Tyreck Irvin, his brother, James Graham, his grandfather, Mirlande Moltimer, a Medicaid provider, and Cassandre Lassegue, a nurse. Doe and Irvin face charges of first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, aggravated manslaughter of a child, and neglect of a child.

The investigation uncovered a disturbing scene at the family home, with 264 unopened bottles of the victim’s feeding formula found. It was also revealed that the child died as part of a Medicaid fraud scheme, estimated to be worth thousands of dollars.

In addition to the charges related to Atwell’s death, Doe and Irvin are also facing neglect charges for two other children in the household at the time. Atwell, who required specialized care due to his medical conditions, was failed by those who were supposed to protect and care for him.

The community is reeling from the tragic loss of a young life and the disturbing circumstances surrounding his death. The arrests bring some measure of justice, but the scars left by this heartbreaking case will linger for a long time.