In a tragic case from South Carolina, Justine May has been charged with two counts of homicide by child abuse after the deaths of her two daughters, aged two years and 15 months. Harlow Deacon and Emory Deacon were discovered unresponsive in their home in Ladson on 29 September. The Charleston County Coroner’s Office has classified their deaths as homicides, attributing them to “starvation and dehydration due to neglect.”
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The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) had conducted multiple welfare checks at May’s residence prior to the children’s deaths. In total, there had been 13 visits from authorities in the weeks leading up to this tragedy, with officials previously reporting no significant concerns during these inspections. Recently released bodycam footage from two of these welfare checks offers insight into the situation leading up to the unfortunate incident.
The first of these checks was carried out on 30 August, prompted by concerns about May’s mental health following the separation from the children’s father. It was noted that no one had seen the girls for over a week, raising alarms among caseworkers. During this visit, May expressed frustration at the presence of law enforcement and social services, insisting that she and her children were fine. Although the caseworker observed the children moving about and playing, May’s reluctance to engage further was evident.
Bodycam footage from the second welfare check, which took place on 12 September, revealed a similar tense atmosphere. May openly articulated her frustration regarding the frequent visits, stating, “I’m getting really tired of this.” She expressed dissatisfaction with what she perceived as harassment from her family and officials alike. When asked about her mental well-being, she denied experiencing any hallucinations or suicidal thoughts, maintaining that the constant visits were the root of her anxiety.
While there were reports of a diaper rash affecting Harlow, May dismissed the matter by describing it as a “normal baby” occurrence. This response raised eyebrows during the checks, especially given the escalating concerns about the girls’ welfare.
Prior to the heartbreaking discovery of the children’s bodies, the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office made the decision to halt further welfare visits on 22 September. This ruling was made based on a comprehensive assessment of previous contact history, the involvement of the Department of Social Services (DSS), and a lack of new information indicating an immediate threat to the children.
The stark contrast of the situation came to light when police arrived at May’s residence on the day of the tragedy. Officers noted that she appeared “coherent.” However, she indicated having been in a “blur” for two weeks and could not recall the details surrounding the feeding of her daughters. It was during this conversation that she reportedly acknowledged that a lack of nourishment had contributed to their tragic deaths.
Following these distressing revelations, authorities formally charged May with two counts of homicide by child abuse. This case has garnered considerable public attention not only for its tragic outcome but also for the broader implications regarding the systems designed to safeguard children from neglect.
The community is left reeling from the developments, raising questions about how such incidents can occur despite intervention from social services. As the case unfolds, many are calling for a review of procedures to ensure that children’s safety is prioritised, potentially urging legislative changes to prevent similar situations in the future.
In the wake of this heartbreaking situation, the importance of vigilance against child neglect cannot be overstated. If individuals suspect child abuse, helplines and resources are available, including the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline, which offers 24/7 assistance to those in need.
The tragic deaths of Harlow and Emory Deacon serve as a painful reminder of the fragility of childhood and the urgent need for improved intervention measures when children’s welfare is at risk.