Jeremy Graham, the uncle of 7-year-old Deonte Atwell, was arrested on Tuesday on charges of aggravated manslaughter, child neglect, and failing to report child abuse. Atwell, who died on Christmas Day last year, weighed just seven pounds, showing signs of severe malnutrition and neglect,
Before Graham's arrest, five individuals had already been taken into custody in connection with the case. "The boy's mother, 37-year-old Michelle Doe, who was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated manslaughter of a child, aggravated child abuse and two counts of child neglect. Doe also was charged with the neglect of two other young boys living at the home at the time of the death," CBS News states. Each of these individuals faces multiple charges that combined chart a horrifying tale of neglect and failure to protect the vulnerable.
CBS News adds to the narrative, revealing that preliminary investigations exposed a possible scheme to defraud Medicaid, with an estimated value between $10,000 and $50,000. "Officers found 264 unopened bottles of Atwell's feeding formula in the home, and other evidence suggested that he died during a scheme to defraud Medicaid," as detailed by CBS News. The discovery adds a layer of financial fraud to an already desolate case of child abuse and manslaughter.
Deonte Atwell had been diagnosed with thoracic spina bifida and hydrocephalus, conditions demanding constant skilled nursing care. Yet, authorities say family members and two home health care employees appeared to have stopped providing him with these necessary services. "Prosecutors said Atwell endured prolonged starvation, and was horribly malnourished and neglected, weighing just seven pounds when he died with bones poking through his skin," NBC Miami reported. The outcome of these arrests and the ongoing investigation will be closely followed as the community seeks justice for the young boy who suffered direly.
Anyone holding additional information regarding this case is encouraged to step forward and contact officials. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department, along with the Broward State Attorney's Office's Child Fatality and Abuse Unit, continue their investigation. Tips can be submitted to Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477).
