An Endicott couple is charged with manslaughter in the drug overdose death of their five year old son in May.

Police arrested 45 year old Charles Burks and 40 year old Jennifer Burks as they were returning to Broome County from North Carolina.

Authorities accuse the couple of giving their child a lethal dose of Oxycontin at their Roosevelt Avenue apartment May 7.

Police were called to the home with a report that the boy was unresponsive and an autopsy determined the child died of a drug overdose.

Investigators have not indicated why they believe the parents gave the pain killer narcotic to their son.

After their boy died, the couple had gone to North Carolina and were staying at a campground.

Information shared between Endicott Police, and other agencies, including police in North Carolina, resulted in the location and arrest of the Burks.

Both have pleaded not guilty to manslaughter in Endicott Village Court.  If convicted each faces up to 15 years in prison.

 

 

 

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