In a tragic case that has shocked the community in Ladson, South Carolina, 31-year-old Justine May has been arrested following the deaths of her two young daughters, Emory and Harlow Deacon. The local sheriff’s office reported that deputies found the children, aged two and 15 months respectively, deceased during a welfare check at their home on Tuesday, September 29. The children’s mother has been charged with two counts of homicide by child abuse.
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The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office stated that the welfare check was part of a series of investigations into the family’s wellbeing, with reports indicating that deputies had conducted 13 such checks in the weeks prior to the tragic discovery. Despite these visits, officials claimed that they did not observe any signs of distress during the previous encounters with May, the most recent of which occurred on September 20.
However, prior events and communications hint at escalating concerns from family members regarding the children’s welfare. Justine May’s social media accounts revealed disturbing messages exchanged between her and her relatives. Her mother sent numerous texts imploring her daughter to allow family members to see the children, expressing deep concern for Emory and Harlow’s wellbeing. On September 13, May’s mother lamented, “I haven’t seen the girls since August 14th,” and questioned what boundaries Justine had imposed.
Concerns were also voiced by the children’s father, named Zack, who, in a heartfelt text, urged May to seek help. He expressed distress over her deteriorating mental state, describing her behaviour as “spiralling.” In the messages Zack sent, he reminded her of the bond they shared as parents, stating, “You are the mother of Emory and Harlow. You’ve always been a good mother.” He further implored her to get help, a plea that tragically went unanswered.
The discourse between May and her relatives grew increasingly strained, with her mother drawing parallels to another heartbreaking case involving a mother charged with killing her children. She expressed fears that the isolation May imposed could lead to similar tragic outcomes. “This has been the fresh hell your family has been living every day that you don’t communicate or let us see the girls,” the message read. May’s response was hostile, filled with frustration towards what she perceived as her family’s intrusiveness regarding her parenting.
The situation escalated when deputies encountered May outside her residence on the day the children were found. Reports indicated that she was speaking incoherently when approached, leading to heightened concerns about her mental condition. During questioning, she allegedly revealed that she had been in a “blur” for the previous two weeks and could not recall the last time she had fed her daughters. May suggested that this neglect played a role in their deaths.
Following her arrest, May was charged with two counts of homicide by child abuse, and subsequent court documents did not indicate whether she had retained legal representation or entered a plea. Her next court appearance is scheduled for November, where these tragic events will likely receive further scrutiny.
As this distressing case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the complex issues surrounding mental health and familial relationships. The community now grips with the aftermath of this heartbreaking incident, as authorities and social services alike evaluate what could have been done to avert such a tragedy.
This situation highlights a critical need for better support systems for families in distress, and the urgent requirement for open lines of communication between struggling individuals and their support networks. If you or someone you know is facing challenges related to mental health or emotional distress, help is available. You can reach out via calls or texts to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, where support is available around the clock.