Full Breakdown
South Carolina Mother Charged After Daughters Found Starved to Death
By Drooid · · How we work
Tragic Deaths of Two South Carolina Toddlers
Justine Marie May, 31, was arrested on two counts of homicide by child abuse after deputies discovered her daughters, 1-year-old Harlow Deacon and 2-year-old Emory Deacon, dead inside their Ladson home on September 29, 2026. In an affidavit, May said the prior two weeks had been a “blur” and she could not remember feeding the children. The Charleston County coroner ruled the cause of death starvation and dehydration due to neglect.
Background & Context
Relatives had expressed concern about May’s mental health earlier in the year, referencing the Massachusetts case of Lindsay Clancy in an email sent on May 5, 2026. May’s ex-partner, Zachary Deacon, repeatedly asked police to conduct welfare checks, fearing for the children’s safety.
Timeline of Welfare Checks
- August 10, 2026 – First recorded call to the residence.
- August 11, 2026 – Second call.
- August 25 & 26, 2026 – Deputies made contact; no signs of concern observed.
- September 8, 2026 – Additional contact; no obvious issues.
- September 11 & 12, 2026 – Further visits with the same assessment.
- September 20, 2026 – Last known visit while the children were still alive.
- September 29, 2026 – Welfare check leads to discovery of the bodies.
The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office reported 21 calls about the address beginning August 10, 2026, resulting in 13 separate visits before the fatal check.
Data & Statistics
- Children’s ages: Harlow, ~15 months; Emory, ~33 months.
- Calls received: 21.
- Deputy visits prior to deaths: 13.
- Charges: Two counts of homicide by child abuse (South Carolina law).
Official Statements & Responses
Sheriff Carl Ritchie expressed “deepest condolences” to the families and affirmed the department’s commitment to “professional, lawful, and accountable service.” He noted that a deputy, following supervisory direction, declined to conduct a welfare check after being assigned the address, a decision later cited in released 911 audio.
On-the-Ground Reports
When deputies arrived on September 29, 2026, May emerged “crying and speaking incoherently.”
Criticism & Opposition
Attorney Gedney M. contended that the department’s response fell short of protecting vulnerable children.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The sheriff’s office maintains deputies observed no immediate danger during earlier visits, while the father’s attorney asserts the deaths were preventable. No independent third-party investigation findings have been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is not harassment. I am genuinely terrified for the kids,” — Emory Deacon
- “Neighbors, friends, and family all called trying to get help for these girls, and no one listened. Zack was sounding the alarm and was arrested for it,” — Gedney M. Howe
- “The entire staff of the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office extends their heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and community impacted by the deaths of the children and will continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers as they navigate this difficult time,” — Sheriff Carl Ritchie
What’s Next
May waived her right to a bond hearing and remains in custody. Her initial court appearance is scheduled for November 20, 2026. The sheriff’s Office of Professional Standards continues an internal review, while the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s Special Victims Unit and the Department of Child Fatalities assist the investigation.