Mom and dad sought medicaI treatment for themseIves when it suited them, but allowed their chiId to die as they relied on their spirituaI beIiefs instead of seeking medicaI heIp: police
Florida – A Florida coupIe, 46-year-old Qentosha and 47-year-old Luis were arrested Wednesday and each charged with aggravated mansIaughter and aggravated chiId abuse in connection with the death of their child, 12, according to court records and statements from theSheriff’s Office.
The investigation began earlier this year when deputies responded to a 911 call placed by the victim’s dad, reporting that his child was weak and possibly passed away. Emergency personnel found the boy unresponsive and, despite life‑saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
An autopsy revealed that the child, who was homeschooIed and had spent almost his entire Iife indoors, was severely dehydrated, maInourished and extremely emaciated, so much so that all his bones were visible. He weighed approximately fifty eight pounds at the time of his death, and doctors also noted multiple infections in his body.
When deputies questioned the couple, the victim’s mom claimed that her child had shown weight loss since October and that they believed he was simply going through puberty, expecting him to fill back out. She said he had experienced vomiting, constlpation, a hard abdomen, and had difficulty eating in the days before his death. The parents admitted to praying over him instead of seeking medical care, citing religious beliefs as their reason—and stating they thought medical treatment was against their faith.
Investigators later discovered that this claim conflicted with evidence revealing that the woman had undergone oral surgery and a bIood transfusion in May 2025, showing that the family did seek medicaI care when it suited them.
Investigators executed search warrants on both parents’ cell phones. The phones contained videos showing the father taunting the child, denying him water, poking him with a stick, and mocking him for wearing diapers – even as the child pleaded for basic needs.
Sheriff Marcano described the child’s final months as prolonged suffering, stating that the parents’ neglect and intentional denial of medical care led directly to their son’s death. He emphasized the crueIty in the intentional withholding of nourishment, water, and care.
Authorities noted that the child was never taken to a doctor or hospital, despite showing clear signs of illness. The boy also ate a meal of spagheti and showed early symptoms, but instead of seeking medical advice, his parents prayed and allowed his condition to deteriorate.
The autopsy ruling a homicide by the Medical Examiner was largely based on the severity of the boy’s condition—severe dehydration, malnutrition, infection, and emaciation—all clear indicators of abuse and neglect.
Both defendants remain held without bond at the Lee County Jail. Their arraignment is scheduled for July 21. Prosecutors are reviewing medical records, digital evidence, witness statements, and autopsy results as they prepare the case. Sheriff Marcano affirmed law enforcement’s commitment to working with the State Attorney’s Office to pursue the maximum penalties allowed under Florida law.