A South Carolina mother faces two counts of homicide by child abuse after her young daughters died of severe starvation and dehydration inside their Ladson home. Deputies discovered the victims on September 29, 2026, while responding to a welfare check on Pinewood Drive, according to the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities identified the victims as 2-year-old Emory Deacon and 15-month-old Harlow Deacon. The Charleston County Coroner’s Office ruled both deaths as homicides caused by extreme physical neglect. Investigators found the primary caregiver, 31-year-old Justine Marie May, outside the residence crying and speaking incoherently when law enforcement and a family caseworker arrived.
Arrest Details and Investigation Findings
An arrest affidavit from the sheriff’s office states that Justine May told detectives she had been in a “blur” for the previous two weeks. She admitted she “did not remember the last time” she fed the children or gave them anything to drink.
When questioned further, May acknowledged that withholding food constituted severe neglect. She confirmed she was the sole caregiver present at the residence during the weeks leading up to the tragedy. Following her arrest at the scene, May waived her right to a bond hearing on September 30, 2026. She is currently held at the Al Cannon Detention Center.
Prior Welfare Visits and Law Enforcement Response
During a public statement, Charleston County Sheriff Carl Ritchie addressed the “senseless death” of the two children. Records show deputies had visited May’s residence 13 times starting August 10, 2026, in response to various concerns.
Sheriff Ritchie noted that deputies and agency representatives contacted May and the children directly on multiple dates-including August 25, August 26, September 8, September 11, and September 12. During these visits, officers observed no immediate signs of concern.
Family members had previously expressed growing alarm regarding May’s mental health. Media reports highlighted social media posts where relatives compared the volatile situation to other high-profile child endangerment cases, expressing deep worry over May’s psychological state before the tragedy occurred.
Legal Status and Community Impact
Court records show that May’s initial formal court appearance is scheduled for November 20, 2026. Legal counsel information was not immediately available in public court registries.
“The entire staff of the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office extends their heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and community impacted by the deaths of the children and will continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers as they navigate this difficult time,” Sheriff Ritchie said in a statement.
Authorities urge anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect to contact local law enforcement or reach out to the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
