A Florida couple was charged with first degree murder and child abuse in the death of their 12-year-old son earlier this year.
According to Lee County sheriff’s deputies, Louis and Quentosha Massaquoi neglected to obtain medical treatment for their son due to their religious convictions, as reported by WBBH. The child, who was severely underweight at just 58 pounds, suffered from malnutrition at the time of his death in January.
In June, the sheriff’s office released a video showing the couple’s arrest, though the indictment was only issued this week, as noted by the State’s Attorney’s Office.
Charged with capital murder, aggravated child abuse, and failure to report child abuse, the couple faces the death penalty if they’re convicted.
Lee County Sheriff Camine Marceno remarked, “This poor child endured prolonged suffering before his parents ultimately let him die.” He added, “We are proud to work alongside the State Attorney’s Office in bringing those responsible to justice, and we will continue to support their efforts to secure a lengthy conviction.”
The sheriff’s office reported that the boy “suffered from multiple medical conditions, which had worsened over a period of several months without medical care.”
Deputies discovered internet searches related to the boy’s symptoms and potential treatments, but stated that the couple “chose not to seek medical treatment.”
While the sheriff’s office did not disclose the family’s specific religious beliefs, investigators informed WBBH that the couple shunned medicine, relying instead on the power of prayer.
