Another family member has been charged in connection with the tragic death of 7-year-old Deonte Atwell, who was discovered deceased on Christmas Day last year due to severe malnutrition.
On December 17, Jeremy Graham was arrested by the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. He faces several charges, including aggravated manslaughter of a child, neglect of a child, and failure to report child abuse, as stated by authorities in a press release.
The police did not disclose specific details about Graham’s involvement in Deonte’s death but mentioned that the arrest followed various findings during the investigation.
Graham is now the sixth person in the boy’s immediate circle to face legal charges. Previously, Deonte’s mother, Michelle Doe, 37, and his 21-year-old brother, Tyreck Irvin, were charged with first-degree murder, aggravated manslaughter, aggravated child abuse, and two counts of child neglect back in September.
Additionally, charges have been brought against Deonte’s grandfather, 70-year-old James Graham; Mirlande Moltimer Ameda, the owner of Samaritan Home Care Provider, Inc.; and 33-year-old nurse Cassandre Lassegue, who was responsible for caring for Deonte.
Doe and Ameda have both pleaded not guilty, but it remains unclear how Irvin, Graham, and Lassegue have responded to the charges.
The Broward County State Attorney’s Office previously reported that Deonte, born in 2016, died from severe malnutrition. Autopsy results indicated that at the time of his death, the child was in a condition where his bones were visible through his skin.
Authorities confirmed that Deonte had been diagnosed with thoracic spina bifida, a spinal condition, and hydrocephalus, which involves fluid buildup in the brain. These conditions required him to use a breathing tube and feeding tube while needing constant skilled nursing care.
During the investigation, police discovered 264 unopened bottles of feeding formula in the home, along with evidence suggesting that the family was involved in fraud against Medicaid.
The Fort Lauderdale Police Department further stated that multiple family members and home health nurses failed to provide the necessary medical care, leading to the child’s serious neglect and death.
