GASTONIA, N.C. -- A High Shoals, North Carolina, man has been charged in the death of his 4-year-old stepson.

Multiple media outlets report that 28-year-old Thomas Cheeks was charged Monday with first-degree murder in the death of Malachi Golden.

Malachi was found dead in a home in May while in Cheeks' care.

Investigators say they've spent months conducting interviews and looking over toxicology reports and medical records. Authorities have not said how the child died.

The Gaston Gazette reports that Malachi's mother found him unresponsive when she returned from work. Investigators say the boy suffered from medical conditions that authorities initially believed may have led to his death.

The investigation continues.

Cheeks is being held in Gaston County jail.