VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — The life of a 7-year-old with autism came to a tragic end when deputies found his body in a lake Tuesday morning.
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Charlie Newton was first reported missing by his parents on Monday. They told deputies he ran off from their driveway.
Deputies said Charlie was non-verbal and may have been attracted to Christmas lights as well as bodies of water. He has also been known to climb up trees.
The Volusia Sheriff’s Office released a report that details the disturbing conditions the child and his two other siblings were living in.
Deputies said they found a large roach infestation, minimal food and no clean clothes.
The report said the three children shared a small bedroom with a dirty mattress on the floor and that both the refrigerator and bathroom were locked shut.
Deputies contacted DCF, who deemed the house unsafe and moved the two other children into a hotel with their mom.
At this point, the parents are not facing any charges in this case.
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