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Coroner identifies two children found dead in Ladson home
Live 5 News • • nation
Key Points:
- Two children, Emory Deacon (2 years old) and Harlow Deacon (15 months old), were found dead in a Ladson home due to starvation and dehydration, with their deaths ruled as homicides by neglect.
- Justine May, the children's primary caregiver, has been charged with two counts of homicide by child abuse in connection with their deaths.
- Deputies had responded to numerous calls at the Pinewood Drive residence since August, including welfare checks and visits with social services and mental health units, but observed no immediate signs of concern during those visits.
- The most recent welfare check before the discovery of the children occurred on September 20, and the children were found deceased during a welfare check on September 26.
- An internal review of the response by the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office is underway, with assistance from the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division's Special Victims Unit.
