A 7-Year-Old Weighed 7 Pounds When He Died. Now A Woman Has Pleaded Guilty.

 A 7-Year-Old Weighed 7 Pounds When He Died. Now A Woman Has Pleaded Guilty.

On December 25, 2023, officers and Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue personnel responded to a home in the 1700 block of Southwest 11th Street in Fort Lauderdale, Florida regarding a medical emergency involving a child. Upon arrival, first responders found a 7-year-old boy in critical condition. He was transported to Broward Health Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

The victim was identified as 7-year-old Deonte Atwell.

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Investigators later determined Deonte suffered from severe malnutrition and weighed approximately 7 pounds at the time of his death.

Authorities said Deonte was born with multiple medical conditions, including thoracic spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Investigators said he required around-the-clock skilled nursing care and relied on both a feeding tube and breathing tube.

According to prosecutors, Deonte died of starvation. Autopsy findings allegedly showed his bones were protruding through holes in his skin.

Investigators also discovered 264 unopened bottles of the child’s feeding formula inside the home.

Authorities said the investigation revealed multiple family members and caregivers allegedly failed to provide the necessary medical care required for Deonte’s survival.

In September 2024, investigators arrested Deonte’s mother, adult brother, grandfather, a home health nurse, and 49-year-old Mirlande Moltimer, the owner of Samaritin Home Care Provider, Inc.

According to investigators, Moltimer’s company was connected to what prosecutors described as a Medicaid fraud scheme tied to Deonte’s care.

On May 14, 2026, Moltimer pleaded guilty in Broward County court to charges connected to the child’s death.

During the hearing, Broward Circuit Judge Peter Holden warned Moltimer she faced a possible maximum sentence of 65 years in prison before accepting her guilty plea.

Authorities said the plea agreement prevents Moltimer from receiving the maximum state prison sentence. She is also expected to serve federal prison time connected to previous convictions tied to the case followed by seven years of reporting probation.

Deonte’s mother, brother, grandfather, and nurse also continue to face charges connected to the child’s death.