NORTH PORT, FL -- A North Port teen's mother and step-father are facing child neglect charges in connection with the boy's death.
Officers found the body 15-year-old Nickolas Block inside a room at the Budget Motel, 14000 S. Tamiami Trail, at 10 am on Friday. Block was staying there with his family, detectives said.
There were no obvious signs of foul play, but his death does appear to be drug-related, according to detectives.
After conducting several interviews and finding physical evidence at the motel, detectives charged Linda and Billy Jack Courtright, both 35, with felony child neglect in connection with Block's death.
Billy Jack Courtright is also charged with distributing a controlled substance to a minor. His bond was set at $100,000. Linda Courtright's bond is set at $50,000.
A news release issued Sunday did not elaborate on exactly how Block died.
The couple's other children were taken into DCF custody. The investigation is ongoing and other charges are possible.
