Five Arrested in Death Investigation of 7-Year-Old Boy in Fort Lauderdale

In a tragic case in Fort Lauderdale, five individuals, including three family members, have been arrested in connection with the death of a 7-year-old boy, Deonte Atwell. The boy died on Christmas Day last year due to severe malnutrition, according to the authorities. The arrests followed an extensive investigation by the Fort Lauderdale Police Department.

The suspects include Atwell’s mother, Michelle Doe, 37, who faces charges of first-degree murder, aggravated manslaughter of a child, child neglect, and aggravated child abuse. His brother, Tyreck Irvin, 21, has also been charged with similar crimes, including failure to report child abuse. The child’s 70-year-old grandfather, James Graham, faces charges of aggravated manslaughter and child neglect.

Along with the family members, two healthcare providers were arrested. Mirlande Moltimer Ameda, 47, a home health provider, faces charges of third-degree murder, Medicaid fraud, and aggravated manslaughter. The boy’s nurse, Cassandre Lassegue, 33, has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, and Medicaid fraud. Both are accused of failing to provide the necessary care for Atwell’s severe medical conditions.

Authorities were called to the family home on December 25th, 2023, for a medical emergency. The child was taken to Broward Health Medical Center, where doctors discovered he had been dead for some time before his arrival. He suffered from thoracic spina bifida and hydrocephalus, conditions requiring in-home medical care. However, an autopsy revealed that he died from severe malnutrition, with his bones visibly protruding through open wounds in his skin.

Further investigation revealed a disturbing finding: 264 unopened bottles of Atwell’s feeding formula were found in the home, raising suspicion of a Medicaid fraud scheme. It is estimated that the fraud amounted to between $10,000 and $50,000. For more on this case, read the detailed report here.

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Court hearings for the suspects are already underway, with Irvin, Ameda, and Lassegue being held without bond. Graham, if able to post a $22,000 bond, will be placed under house arrest with electronic monitoring. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to ensure justice for Deonte Atwell and further examine the broader implications of Medicaid fraud.