UPDATE 4:50 p.m.:
According to the Lee County Sheriff's Office, the parents may not have sought out medical care because of religious beliefs.
The Sheriff's Office also tells Fox 4 more about the disturbing searches they found. According to a police report obtained by Fox 4, the internet searches date back to November 2024.
"They were searching for symptoms and treatments to various medical conditions that this child may have had, and again, they failed to go through with getting treatment for their child," said Julie Sin, public information officer for the Lee County Sheriff's Office. "That raised a lot of alarm bells for our detectives."
Sin said the parents were even searching "child death" before authorities were called to their home on January 27, 2025.
According to the police report, the child had been feeling sick for several days before his death. When first responders arrived, the report says life-saving measures were already in progress, but the 12-year-old died.
Deputies said the boy was malnourished.
The medical examiner ruled the 12-year-old boy's death a homicide.
Investigators noted in the report that the common areas of the home were "well-kept" with no concerning items found in the child's room. Food and water were also available in the house.
While this is still under investigation, Sin gave some insight on why detectives believe the body did not get medical attention.
"We have reason to believe that this family may not have sought medical treatment due to religious beliefs, but any sort of parent, they have that responsibility to care for their child, make sure that child is safe," Sin said.
Sin emphasized the importance of reporting suspected child abuse.
"Child abuse is such a terrible topic because, you know, it's one of those taboo things that a lot of people don't talk about, but there are children in our county who are suffering, so this is a great opportunity as well. If you see something, say something," Sin said.
The Massaquois are scheduled to appear in court June 23 for a pre-trial detention hearing, which means a bond could be set.
ORIGINAL STORY:
The Lee County Sheriff's Office reports a couple is charged after their son died.
LCSO said that on Wednesday, June 18, they arrested the Lehigh Acres couple on charges of manslaughter and aggravated child abuse in connection with the death of their 12-year-old son.
"This poor child endured prolonged suffering before his parents ultimately let him die," said Sheriff Carmine Marceno in a post on social media.
LCSO said Louis and Qwentosha Massaquoi told deputies that the boy had become ill, but that they chose not to seek medical treatment.
Detectives learned that the child suffered from multiple medical conditions, which had worsened over a period of several months without medical care. A forensic analysis of the parents' cell phones revealed concerning internet searches related to medical symptoms, treatments, and child death, according to LCSO.
The death was ultimately ruled a homicide caused by failure to provide necessary medical care.
