Fort Myers, FL – Two Florida parents have been indicted on capital murder charges after allegedly refusing to seek medical treatment for their 12-year-old son due to their religious beliefs, resulting in his death.
Details of the Charges and Indictment
Qwentosha Massaquoi and Louis Moinina Massaquoi, both from Florida, were charged with first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, and failure to report suspected child abuse, according to State Attorney Amira Fox. The grand jury indictment accuses them of “shocking” abuse and “premeditating” their son’s death, which investigators believe occurred due to neglect.
Religious Beliefs and Refusal of Medical Care
On January 27, Louis Massaquoi contacted the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, stating his son was “sick” and possibly deceased. According to the arrest affidavit, the boy had been sick for three days, refusing food, and vomiting when he did attempt to eat.
The parents reportedly did not take him to a doctor, citing their religious beliefs. Qwentosha Massaquoi told police that they “don’t believe in doctors or medicine” and believed “if they give everything to God, he will fix it.”
Evidence Found on Cell Phones
Investigators uncovered multiple disturbing videos on the parents’ cell phones, including one where Louis Massaquoi taunted the boy and denied him water. In another video, the child was made fun of for wearing a diaper. The videos are part of the evidence used to support the abuse allegations.
An autopsy later revealed that the boy was severely dehydrated, malnourished, and extremely emaciated, suggesting that he had suffered prolonged neglect.
Impact of the Case and Investigation
“The facts of this case are extremely disturbing,” said State Attorney Amira Fox. “These indictments are another step toward justice for the child victim who endured a life of extreme and shocking neglect.”
The Massaquois were arrested in June 2025, following an extensive investigation by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities allege that the couple premeditated their son’s death from September 2024 to January 2025.
Background on the Victim
The 12-year-old victim, who has not been named publicly, was homeschooled by his parents. His mother reportedly believed that he was autistic, despite no official diagnosis.
Charges and Allegations Against the Parents
The grand jury indictment states that the Massaquois “unlawfully, from a premeditated design to effect the death of a human being, kill and murder the victim” while engaged in the act of aggravated child abuse. It also accuses them of “inflicting physical or mental injury upon a child under 18 years of age” and “willfully torturing or maliciously punishing” their son.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The case is still under investigation, with authorities continuing to gather evidence for the ongoing legal proceedings. State Attorney Fox emphasized the importance of the extensive and detailed investigation conducted by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, which allowed the case to move forward with the grand jury indictments.
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