South Carolina Mother Charged in Toddlers' Starvation Deaths; Bodycam Footage Released

Bodycam footage released by authorities shows that police conducted 13 welfare checks in the weeks leading up to the deaths of two South Carolina toddlers, who were later found starved to death in their home. The mother, Justine May, 31, was arrested on Sept. 29 and charged with homicide in the deaths of 15-month-old Harlow Deacon and 2-year-old Emory Deacon.

The welfare checks occurred after the children's father, Zack Deacon, had not seen them in a week. The footage from an August 30 check shows May interacting with officers at her door, stating, "How can I help you?" and "No one can come in." When asked to step outside, she expressed frustration and questioned the reason for the visit.

Officers pressed May about whether she was hearing voices or planning to harm anyone. She deflected these questions, instead blaming her ex-fiancé and claiming he was fabricating a mental health episode. When pressed for details, she responded, "I don’t want to tell it." May, while holding one of her children, referred to her ex and mother as "crazy" for frequently contacting the police.

A social worker present during the August 30 check noted that May's "mental health has apparently declined" after her split from Zack Deacon. May denied this, accusing Deacon of "erratic behavior" during his visits to the home. The residence appeared orderly and clean during the welfare check.

According to the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, no immediate danger was identified during any of the 13 welfare checks conducted at the residence. A welfare check was not performed after September 20, less than a week before the children's bodies were discovered. Sheriff Carl Ritchie stated that the decision to discontinue further welfare checks was based on the available information at the time, including previous interactions and the involvement of other agencies, and the absence of new information indicating an immediate threat.

May reportedly told police that she had been in a "blur" for weeks and could not recall when she last fed her children. The sheriff's office is reviewing body camera footage to assess the children's condition in the days leading up to their deaths. Zack Deacon has retained legal counsel to investigate the police's conduct and potential incompetence.