Police say an 11-month-old child was discovered in unsafe living conditions inside a North Charleston residence.
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. — A South Carolina woman has been arrested after authorities found her 11-month-old child dead inside an apartment that investigators described as filthy and heavily infested with insects. The child was pronounced dead at the scene after emergency responders attempted lifesaving measures.
Authorities identified the mother as 27-year-old Janette Clayton. North Charleston police charged her with three counts of unlawful conduct toward a child following an investigation into the infant’s death. The case has also prompted a review of prior police contact with the residence after officials learned that officers had previously visited the apartment before the child was found dead.
The investigation began shortly before 1:30 p.m. when emergency crews responded to an apartment on Eleanor Drive in North Charleston. Firefighters arrived first and began efforts to save the infant. According to police, the child was found partially wrapped in a blanket near the apartment’s front doorway. Emergency medical personnel continued treatment, but the infant was later pronounced dead inside the residence. Officers conducted an initial protective sweep of the apartment and immediately noticed conditions they said were inconsistent with a safe environment for children. Investigators reported a lack of basic supplies needed to care for an infant and began gathering evidence for a more extensive examination of the home. As the investigation expanded, detectives sought and obtained a search warrant to document the conditions inside the apartment and determine whether those conditions played a role in the child’s death.
Police said the search uncovered what investigators described as severe neglect within the residence. Authorities reported finding no food and no child-care supplies inside the apartment. Investigators also documented what they called a severe insect infestation throughout the home, including inside kitchen storage areas, drawers and the refrigerator. The condition of the apartment became a central focus of the criminal investigation. Officers said Clayton was outside the residence when they arrived, accompanied by the child’s paternal grandmother and two other children. Officials have not publicly released details about the health or custody status of the other children. The infant’s cause of death also remains undetermined. Authorities have not disclosed whether an autopsy has been completed or whether toxicology testing is pending. Investigators have emphasized that several aspects of the case remain under review as forensic and medical examinations continue.
The case has drawn additional attention because of questions surrounding earlier interactions between police and the family. After learning that two North Charleston police employees had previously visited the apartment before the infant’s death, department leaders placed both individuals on administrative leave pending further review. Officials have not publicly detailed the purpose of the earlier visit or whether any concerns were documented at that time. The discovery prompted police leaders to seek outside assistance from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the state agency that frequently handles sensitive investigations involving public officials and law enforcement agencies. Department representatives said they requested an independent review because of concerns about the initial handling of matters related to the residence and whether departmental policies were properly followed. The involvement of an outside agency is intended to provide an independent examination of both the child death investigation and the department’s prior response.
Criminal cases involving allegations of unsafe living conditions often require investigators to examine a wide range of evidence, including medical records, witness statements, photographs, social service reports and forensic findings from the scene. In this case, authorities have not publicly indicated whether child welfare agencies had previous involvement with the family. They also have not said whether neighbors or relatives had raised concerns before emergency crews were called to the apartment. The charge of unlawful conduct toward a child is used in South Carolina when prosecutors allege that a person responsible for a child knowingly placed that child at unreasonable risk of harm. Whether additional charges are filed may depend on the results of the medical examiner’s findings and the broader investigation. Prosecutors frequently wait for those reports before determining whether circumstances warrant more serious allegations connected to a child’s death.
As investigators continued their work, police leaders sought to reassure the public that the department would fully examine every aspect of the case. Lt. Anthony J. King said the department is committed to maintaining high standards of conduct and accountability. Officials said the request for state assistance reflects concerns about ensuring transparency and public confidence in the investigation. Meanwhile, the death of the infant has left family members and the community awaiting answers about what occurred inside the apartment and whether warning signs may have been missed. Authorities have released few details about the child beyond age and gender, and they have not disclosed the infant’s name. The focus now remains on determining the exact cause and manner of death while investigators continue reviewing evidence gathered from the residence.
The case remains active. Clayton was taken into custody and booked into the Al Cannon Detention Center as the investigation moved forward. Officials say additional information is expected after forensic testing, medical examinations and the state review are completed.