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Deputies ID 2 found dead in Putnam County

Deputies say no trauma on victims, who had been dead 24 hours in home

A man and woman had been dead for about 24 hours before their bodies were found Thursday morning in a home southwest of Palatka, Putnam County deputies said.

Nicole Moats, 31, and James Dykes Sr., 60, were found in a house on Silver Lake Drive, near Golf Drive, about 9:30 a.m., deputies said. A 4-year-old child and an adult with developmental disabilities were inside the home when deputies arrived, but they were unharmed.

Deputies said they had been called to investigate a possible stabbing, but the Medical Examiner's Office confirmed there were no signs of violence or physical assault on either victim.

Deputies said their cause of death is pending toxicology lab results, which could take several months.

"Don't have enough at this time to call this foul play, but we are investigating," Capt. Joe Wells said.

Deputies said the investigation confirmed there was no forced entry in to the home. Moats and Dykes were found together in a separate and isolated part of the house, deputies said.

The Sheriff's Office said they had no record of prior calls to the house.

Representatives with the Florida Department of Children and Families placed the 4-year-old in the custody of its paternal grandfather.

People who live in the neighborhood said they didn't know the couple well, but were shocked to hear of their deaths.

"People just need to sort a watch out more for the neighbors then they do," neighbor Rosalie Smith said. 

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is assisting in the investigation.