A Macclesfield couple have been charged with first-degree murder and felony child abuse in the death of their 13-year-old son who reports say was tied to a tree for hours.

Brice Brian McMillan, 41, and Sandra Elizabeth McMillan, 36, both of 1110 Felton Farm Road, are being held in the Edgecombe County Detention Center without bond.

The Sheriff's Office received a call at 4:39 p.m. Thursday to the residence to assist the Pinetops Rescue Squad, Sheriff James Knight said.

Upon arrival at the residence, a deputy found the 13-year-old victim unresponsive in the ambulance.

The teenager's father said the victim was disobedient on Tuesday. McMillan said he was trying to discipline the victim, but that the juvenile would not listen and was made to sleep outside while tied to a tree.

Wednesday morning, he was untied and allowed to return to the residence. Wednesday evening, the victim was again tied to a tree. The victim was found by his mother unresponsive at around 4:30 p.m. Thursday.

Two other children were at the residence, ages 7 and 9, and were placed in the custody of the county Department of Social Services.

Knight said the father was taken into custody at the residence Thursday afternoon.

Later Thursday, Knight said the mother was apprehended and taken into custody in Farmville.

Knight said the investigation was ongoing.