A Florida uncle faces charges after his young nephew died from severe neglect and malnutrition, weighing only seven pounds at the time of death
Fort Lauderdale: This is such a tragic story. An uncle has been arrested after his seven-year-old nephew, Deonte Atwell, died from starvation. Can you believe he only weighed seven pounds when they found him? It’s heartbreaking.
Authorities say Deonte was discovered on Christmas Day last year, and it was clear he had been neglected for a long time. His bones were sticking out, and it was just awful. His uncle, Jeremy Graham, was taken into custody on charges of aggravated manslaughter and child neglect.
Deonte had some serious health issues, needing constant medical care. He had a breathing and feeding tube, but sadly, family members and caregivers stopped looking after him. Investigators found a shocking 264 unopened bottles of his feeding formula at the home.
Graham is not alone in this; he’s the sixth family member arrested in connection with Deonte’s death. His mother, brother, and grandfather are among those charged. It’s just so sad to think about what this little boy went through.
Graham’s bond is set at $121,000, and he’s now in Broward County Jail. It’s a tough situation, and I hope justice is served for Deonte.