Full Breakdown
Charleston County Welfare Checks Preceding the Deaths of Two Children
By Drooid · · How we work
Background & Context
In late summer 2026, deputies from the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office conducted a series of welfare checks at the Ladson residence of Justine May after family members and friends expressed concern about her mental-health state. Mobile Crisis teams were also dispatched on several occasions. The checks became routine, and officials later said May appeared “fine” during the visits, though she grew increasingly frustrated with the repeated inquiries.
Timeline of Welfare Checks
- August 25, 2026 – Deputies arrived and recorded May and her children on body-worn camera.
- August 26, 2026 – A second visit captured the family again.
- August 30, 2026 – Deputies, accompanied by Department of Social Services, conducted a welfare check.
- September 8, 2026 – Another check was performed.
- September 11, 2026 – Deputies returned to the home.
- September 12, 2026 – A welfare check with Mobile Crisis officials took place; May declined both entry and crisis assistance.
- Later in September – The final documented in-person contact occurred before deputies responded to the home in late September, when the children were found deceased.
Data & Statistics
- Number of visits: Nine welfare checks between August 25 and the later September visit.
- Children’s ages: Emory Deacon, 33 months; Harlow Deacon, 15 months.
- Cause of death: The Charleston County Coroner’s Office determined starvation and dehydration due to neglect.
Official Statements & Responses
Sheriff Carl Ritchie explained that deputies cannot enter a home during a welfare check without an invitation and may not remove children absent visible distress. He noted that investigators are still interviewing family members and that he will withhold details about any prior concerns of harm until those interviews are complete. Ritchie also said the agency is reviewing additional evidence and will release further body-camera footage when ready. May has been charged in connection with the children’s deaths.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m going to wait to provide that answer until our investigators have had a chance to complete their interviews,” — Sheriff Carl Ritchie