Lee County, FL – A Florida couple, Qwentosha Massaquoi, 46, and Louis Massaquoi, 47, have been arrested and charged with aggravated manslaughter and aggravated child abuse following the tragic death of their 12-year-old son.
The boy, who was homeschooled and spent most of his life indoors, died from severe dehydration, malnutrition, and emaciation, leading authorities to believe the child suffered a long period of mistreatment before his death.
The Incident
On the morning of January 27, 2025, Louis Massaquoi called 911, reporting that his son was weak and possibly deceased. Emergency medical personnel arrived at the family’s home in Cheyenne, where they found the boy unresponsive and attempted to perform life-saving measures. Unfortunately, the child was pronounced dead at approximately 7:57 a.m..
The Parents’ Claims
During their initial questioning, the parents claimed the child had been “feeling sick for several days” and had exhibited symptoms such as constipation, vomiting, abdominal swelling, and loss of appetite. When asked why they didn’t seek medical attention, they reportedly explained that it went against their religious beliefs, though they couldn’t specify a denomination.
Autopsy and Investigation
An autopsy revealed that the child was severely dehydrated, malnourished, and extremely emaciated with visible bones. The boy was reportedly only wearing a diaper at the time of his death, signaling the horrific conditions he endured.
Disturbing Videos and Evidence
A further investigation revealed disturbing videos on the parents’ electronic devices, which were seized by authorities. These videos allegedly showed the father mocking the child’s dehydration. In one clip, Louis Massaquoi is heard saying, “Oh, you’re thirsty, oh you want water, you always want water,” while taking the water bottle away from the child, who is heard asking for it.
Other videos reportedly show the father taunting the boy for wearing a diaper, with both parents present during these incidents, clearly torturing and mistreating their son.
Troubling Internet Searches
Investigators also found internet searches on the couple’s phones that raised red flags. Some searches included “unexplained weight loss,” “distended abdomen,” and “excessive thirst”—symptoms matching the boy’s condition.
Most notably, there were searches like “what to do when a child dies” and “what to do when a person dies in Florida,” made just minutes before the parents called 911.
Additionally, the call logs revealed that the parents had called a local funeral home shortly before contacting emergency services, further casting doubt on their intentions and actions.
False Claims About Religious Beliefs
The parents had claimed that medical treatment was against their religious beliefs, yet it was later discovered that Qwentosha Massaquoi had received a blood transfusion after undergoing oral surgery in May 2025, debunking their claims.
The Arrest
Both Qwentosha and Louis Massaquoi have been arrested and are being held at the Lee County Jail without bond. They are scheduled for an arraignment on July 21, 2025, where they will face the full weight of the charges against them for their son’s brutal death.
The Victim’s Life
The young boy, who had been homeschooled, was known to have been healthy just a few months before his death. Videos discovered by investigators showed the child dancing and speaking in good health as recently as October 2024. Tragically, after that time, his health sharply declined due to severe neglect.
