Reported By Saul Saenz
PORT ORANGE -- The Department of Children and Families is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a Volusia County teen.
Jeremiah Reese, 14, died Sunday from an apparent overdose of prescription painkillers.
Reese would have turned 15 Monday.
Police said the teen dead inside his home.
"We found that there was evidence of opiates and THC in the system," said Frank Surmaczewicz, a spokesman for the Port Orange Police Department.
Another 14 year old was rushed to the emergency room at Halifax Health Medical Center of Daytona Beach. He is doing OK.
Jeremiah's biological father died a few years ago and Michael Reese became his legal guardian.
Now the elder Reese could be the focus of two investigations.
"Right now we're investigating the possibility that some of the Oxycodone, or Oxycotin could've actually come from the home where the 14 year old resided. (The father?) Yes. (Will there be any charges?) That is still under investigation," Surmaczewicz said.
DCF spokesman Reggie Williams said the agency is also investigating. He said the last time a DCF case worker visited the home was in 2008.
Williams said if a death review committee finds there was neglect or abuse involved in Reese's death, that report will be released to the public.
Michael Reese was unwilling to talk to News 13.
However, neighbors said Jeremiah was a popular and well-liked boy.
"I really didn't think something like this would happen,” said Tracy Keuhn. “It's just confusing."
"Like today when he died, we had so many kids here (be)cause they knew who he was and they were all crying," Marcus Thompson said.
Grief counselors were at Creekside Middle School where Reese and the other 14 year old attended.
Neighbors planned to hold a vigil Monday night.
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