A 31-year-old South Carolina mother has been arrested and charged with two counts of homicide by child abuse after her two young daughters were found dead from extreme starvation and dehydration inside their Ladson home. The tragic discovery was made during a welfare check on September 29, 2026, according to the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office.
The Charleston County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as 33-month-old Emory Deacon and 15-month-old Harlow Deacon. Officials confirmed that both children died from severe neglect, resulting in catastrophic starvation and dehydration.
Arrest and Police Investigation Details
Deputies and a South Carolina Department of Social Services caseworker responded to the residence in the 3200 block of Pinewood Drive just after 1 p.m. on Tuesday. According to court affidavits, the homeowner, Justine Marie May, came out of the house crying and speaking incoherently.
Knowing that May typically cared for her two young daughters, law enforcement officers entered the property to ensure the children’s safety. Inside, they found Emory and Harlow obviously deceased, with no lifesaving measures possible.
During questioning after being read her Miranda rights, May told detectives she had spent the previous two weeks in a “blur.” She admitted she could not remember the last time she fed her daughters or provided them with water. Documents state she acknowledged that failing to feed her children was neglectful and confirmed she was the sole caregiver present in the home over the weeks leading up to their deaths.
“The defendant unequivocally demonstrated an extreme indifference for human life in that she failed to provide both of her own children, according to her, with the basic sustenance to maintain life thus being a main contributor to their death,” the arrest affidavit noted.
Prior Welfare Visits and Family Warnings
Charleston County Sheriff Carl Ritchie stated that deputies had visited May’s residence 13 separate times since August 10 in response to various calls. While routine checks on August 25, August 26, September 8, September 11, and September 12 revealed no immediate visible signs of concern, family members had raised repeated alarms.
Court records and social media posts showed that relatives contacted law enforcement and the Department of Social Services multiple times in the weeks prior to the tragedy. Messages shared by May on Facebook included warnings from family members pointing to potential signs of severe neglect, untreated mental health struggles, and concerns regarding the safety of the two toddlers.
Legal Status and Community Impact
May was booked into the Al Cannon Detention Center. At a bond hearing on Wednesday morning, her bond was waived, ensuring she remains in custody ahead of her initial court appearance scheduled for November 20.
The quiet Ladson neighborhood was deeply shaken by the heavy law enforcement presence, which brought nearly 20 vehicles to the street on Tuesday. Neighbors expressed profound shock over the hidden tragedy unfolding behind closed doors.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s Department of Child Fatalities and the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office continue to investigate the incident.
If you or someone you know is experiencing or suspects child abuse, please contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
