A Florida couple was charged with first degree murder and child abuse in the death of their 12-year-old son earlier this year.
Lee County sheriff’s deputies say that Louis and Quentosha Massaquoi failed to get medical treatment for the boy because of their religious beliefs, WBBH reported. The boy reportedly weighed just 58 pounds and as extremely malnourished when he died in January.
The sheriff’s office posted a video of the couple’s arrest in June, but an indictment didn’t come until this week, according to 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.
“This poor child endured prolonged suffering before his parents ultimately let him die,” Lee County Sheriff Camine Marceno said. “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 said the boy “suffered from multiple medical conditions, which had worsened over a period of several months without medical care.”
Deputies found internet searches relating to the boy’s symptoms and possible treatment, but the sheriff’s office said, the couple “chose not to seek medical treatment.”
The sheriff’s office did not specify the couple’s religious affiliation, but investigators told WBBH that they did not believe in medicine, saying that prayer was enough.
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[Featured image: Quentosha and Louis Massaquoi/Lee County Sheriff’s Office]
