A man has been taken into custody following the tragic death of a seven-year-old boy who weighed only seven pounds, in a shocking incident of child abuse.
Prosecutors revealed that Deonte Atwell was discovered on Christmas Day last year, having succumbed to starvation, with his bones visibly protruding through significant openings in his skin.
Authorities reported that Jeremy Graham, the uncle from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was taken into custody on Tuesday facing serious charges, including aggravated manslaughter of a child, child neglect, and failure to report child abuse.
Authorities reported that the child, diagnosed with thoracic spina bifida and hydrocephalus, may have endured months of neglect prior to the discovery of his body.
Medical professionals indicated that the child seemed to have passed away a considerable time ago.
He needed continuous medical attention at home due to his condition and was reliant on a breathing and feeding tube, as stated by the Broward State Attorney’s Office.
Authorities reported that the cessation of care by family members and two home healthcare employees led to severe abuse and ultimately, his death.
Upon arriving at the scene last year, investigators discovered 264 unopened bottles of the victim’s feeding formula in the residence.
Graham is now the sixth member of the family to be taken into custody regarding the tragic death of the young boy.
In addition to him, five others have been taken into custody, including his mother, Michelle Doe, his brother, Tyreck Irvin, and his grandfather, James Graham.
Miralande Moltimer Ameda, the proprietor of the home health service, along with Cassandre Lassegue, the nurse designated to care for Atwell, have both faced charges.
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Graham has been assigned a bond amount of $121,000 and is currently in custody at Broward County Jail.