Child endangerment charges have been filed in the death of an 11-year old Joplin boy who might have gotten so drunk that he died.

Tyler Fecko was found unconscious yesterday morning at his uncle’s home. He was taken to a Joplin hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Court documents say the uncle, Dale Phillips, challenged the boy to a drinking game in which Phillips’ girlfriend, Linda Petrait, also took part. Both are being held on 50-thousand dollars bond.

The preliminary cause of death is listed as alcohol poisoning. An autopsy and toxicology tests will determine the official cause of death. Officials say the results might not be back for several weeks, however.

 

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