Ladson toddlers die of starvation after months of ignored welfare checks
Two toddlers, Emory and Harlow Deacon, died of starvation and dehydration in Ladson, South Carolina, after their mother, Justine May, failed to feed them for two weeks. Authorities had visited the home 13 times since August, including welfare checks and mental health crisis interventions, but found no immediate signs of concern. A 911 call on Sept. 29, prompted by a neighbor noticing May walking alone without her children, led to the discovery of the girls' bodies. May is charged with two counts of homicide by child abuse, while the sheriff's office faces scrutiny over its response.