SC mother charged with homicide after toddlers found dead in Ladson home

Key points

• May is charged with two counts of homicide by child abuse for the deaths of her daughters, aged approximately 1 and 2, found dead on September 29.
• Affidavits state May told detectives she could not recall when she last fed or hydrated the children, acknowledging the neglect was a main contributor to their deaths.
• A 911 caller reported seeing May walking without her children on September 29, prompting a welfare check that led to the discovery of the bodies.
• May waived her bond and remains in custody, with an initial court appearance scheduled for November 20.
• The Charleston County Sheriff's Office is conducting an internal review of its response, as deputies had visited the home multiple times in August and September without reporting obvious concerns.

Background

This case follows a pattern of child fatalities in South Carolina earlier this year, including the death of Saylor Hayes in September, which drew attention to parental negligence and mental health issues. Our earlier coverage on September 30 confirmed May's arrest and the waiver of her bond, noting that authorities had not yet released the victims' identities or causes of death at that time.

How outlets are covering it

Fox News emphasizes May's admission that she could not remember feeding the children and her description of the previous two weeks as a 'blur,' highlighting the neglect aspect. The Post and Courier focuses on the 911 call from a concerned acquaintance who noticed May walking without her children, noting that May had previously claimed the children were napping when asked about them. WCIV reports on social media posts from family members pleading for help before the arrests, suggesting a public awareness of the situation prior to the fatal outcome.

Why it matters

The case raises questions about the effectiveness of welfare checks and the role of mental health in child neglect cases. The internal review by the sheriff's office may lead to changes in how deputies assess potential neglect during routine visits, potentially impacting future child safety protocols in the region.

What to watch

May is expected to appear in court on November 20. The Charleston County Sheriff's Office is conducting an internal review of its response to the case, which may result in policy changes regarding welfare checks and child welfare assessments.