Coroner identifies two toddlers killed by neglect in Ladson; family warns of prior dangers

Key points

• Coroner Bobbi Jo O’Neal identified the victims as 2-year-old Emory Deacon and 15-month-old Harlow Deacon.
• Justine May, 31, was charged with two counts of homicide by child abuse.
• The cause of death for both children was starvation and dehydration due to neglect.
• Deputies responded to the Pinewood Drive home 13 times between August 10 and the discovery in September.
• May’s father, Zack Deacon, stated that neighbors and family had previously warned authorities about the children’s condition.

Background

This case follows earlier reports that Justine May was charged with homicide by child abuse after bodies were found during a welfare check on September 29. May remains in custody pending a court appearance on November 20. Previous coverage noted that neighbors and family members had expressed concerns about May’s mental health and the safety of her children prior to the discovery.

How outlets are covering it

Live 5 News and the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office emphasize the systemic failure, noting that deputies visited the home 13 times since August, including welfare checks and mental health crisis unit visits, yet observed no signs of concern. The Sheriff’s Office is conducting an internal review of these responses. The Post and Courier highlights pre-death warnings, citing Facebook posts and messages where May’s family expressed fears regarding her mental state and isolation, comparing her situation to other high-profile child abuse cases. WCIV reports on affidavits where May told police she did not remember the last time she fed her children. WYFF focuses on the procedural timeline, confirming the multiple agency visits that failed to identify the children’s deteriorating condition.

Why it matters

The case underscores critical gaps in child welfare and law enforcement response protocols, raising questions about how repeated welfare checks and social services visits failed to detect severe neglect leading to the deaths of two young children.

What to watch

Justine May will appear in court on November 20. The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office of Professional Standards is reviewing the department's response, while the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division’s Special Victims Unit continues the investigation.