Florida – A Florida couple, 46-year-old Qentosha and 47-year-old Luis, were arrested Wednesday and charged with aggravated manslaughter and aggravated child abuse in connection with the death of their 12-year-old child, according to court records and Sheriff’s Office statements.
The investigation began earlier this year, when deputies responded to a 911 call from the victim’s father, who reported that his child was weak and may have died. The boy was found unresponsive by emergency personnel and died at the scene, despite efforts to save his life.
An autopsy revealed that the homeschooled child, who had spent almost his entire life indoors, was severely dehydrated, malnourished, and extremely emaciated, with all of his bones visible. He weighed around fifty-eight pounds at the time of his death, and doctors discovered multiple infections in his body.
When deputies questioned the couple, the victim’s mother stated that her child had lost weight since October and that they thought he was just going through puberty, expecting him to fill back out. She claimed he had vomiting, constipation, a hard abdomen, and difficulty eating in the days preceding his death.
The parents admitted to praying over him rather than seeking medical care, citing religious beliefs as the reason—and claiming that medical treatment violated their faith.
Investigators later discovered that this claim contradicted evidence revealing that the woman had undergone oral surgery and a blood transfusion in May 2025, indicating that the family sought medical care when it suited them.
Investigators served search warrants on both parents’ cellphones. The phones contained videos of the father taunting the child, denying him water, poking him with a stick, and mocking him for wearing diapers – all while the child begged for basic necessities.
Sheriff Marcano described the child’s final months as “prolonged suffering,” claiming that the parents’ neglect and intentional denial of medical care contributed directly to their son’s death. He emphasized the severity of intentionally withholding nourishment, water, and care.
Despite the child’s obvious illness, authorities stated that he was never taken to a doctor or hospital. The boy also ate spagheti and experienced early symptoms, but instead of seeking medical attention, his parents prayed and allowed his condition to worsen.
The Medical Examiner’s autopsy, which determined homicide, was largely based on the severity of the boy’s condition—severe dehydration, malnutrition, infection, and emaciation—all of which were clear indicators of abuse and neglect.
Both defendants are being 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 reaffirmed law enforcement’s commitment to working with the State Attorney’s Office to seek the maximum penalties permitted by Florida law.
