South Carolina mother charged with starving two toddlers after family feared Lindsay Clancy copycat

Key points

• Justine Marie May is charged with two counts of homicide by child abuse for the deaths of her daughters, Emory (2) and Harlow (15 months), in Ladson, South Carolina.
• May told police she could not remember when she last fed or gave water to the children, describing the previous two weeks as a 'blur.'
• Family members emailed May in September referencing the Lindsay Clancy case, fearing she might harm the children due to suspected postpartum depression.
• The children’s father, Zachary Deacon, had contacted police multiple times in August and September, expressing concern that May might hurt the children to retaliate against him.
• Charleston County deputies conducted welfare checks in August and September, finding no obvious signs of concern, with the last visit occurring on September 20.
• A 911 call on September 29 from an acquaintance who saw May without the children prompted the final welfare check that led to the discovery of the bodies.

Background

This case follows the high-profile Lindsay Clancy trial in Massachusetts, which ended in a mistrial in September 2026. Clancy was charged with killing her three children, and her defense cited postpartum psychosis. The Clancy case drew national attention and sparked concerns about copycat behavior, including a separate incident in Illinois where a mother killed her toddler after fixating on the trial. May’s family referenced the Clancy case in communications, fearing a similar outcome. The Clancy family has also faced backlash and misinformation following the mistrial, with Patrick Clancy defending his actions and addressing public scrutiny.

How outlets are covering it

The New York Post and Post and Courier emphasize the family’s fears and the Lindsay Clancy connection, highlighting emails and social media posts where relatives expressed concern about May’s behavior. Fox News focuses on the affidavit details, noting May’s admission of neglect and the sheriff’s office’s internal review. WCIV highlights the 911 call that triggered the final welfare check, underscoring the role of community reporting. All sources agree on the charges and the children’s deaths but differ in emphasis: some focus on the mental health and family dynamics, while others highlight the procedural failures in prior welfare checks.

Why it matters

This case raises questions about the effectiveness of welfare checks and the role of family and community in preventing child neglect. It also highlights the potential for copycat behavior following high-profile criminal cases, such as the Lindsay Clancy trial. The internal review by the sheriff’s office may lead to changes in how welfare checks are conducted and evaluated, potentially improving future responses to similar concerns.

What to watch

Justine May’s next court appearance is scheduled for November 20. The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an internal review of its response to previous welfare checks, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is assisting in the investigation. The case may lead to broader discussions about child welfare protocols and the impact of high-profile criminal cases on public behavior.