Endicott Parents Indicted In 5-Year-Old Son's Death

An Endicott couple has been named in a 12-count indictment in connection with the alleged drug overdose death of their young son.

Bob Joseph/WNBF News [file][/caption]

45-year-old Charles Burks and 40-year-old Jennifer Burks were arrested earlier this month when they returned to Broome County from North Carolina.

Authorities said five-year-old Chace Burks died on May 7. Police went to the family's apartment on Roosevelt Avenue to check on a report of an unresponsive boy.

Investigators said an autopsy concluded the child died as a result of an overdose. They said they believe he had been given the drug oxycontin.

The grand jury on Thursday indicted the parents on charges of first- and second-degree assault. They also face counts of manslaughter, criminal sale of a controlled substance and endangering the welfare of a child.

Authorities have said Charles and Jennifer Burks traveled to North Carolina following the boy's death. They had been staying at a campground when they were located by police.

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