A 4-year-old girl died after authorities say her legal guardians allegedly subjected her to abuse and neglect, leaving her to suffer cardiac arrest before she was rushed to a hospital where she was later pronounced dead.
Background
The Greenville County Sheriff's Office responded on April 24 to a home in the 1300 block of Chinquapin Road in Travelers Rest, South Carolina—approximately 10 miles north of Greenville—after receiving a 911 call about an unresponsive child. The victim was identified as 4-year-old Cassie Cheryl Ann Owens.
According to investigators, the girl was already in cardiac arrest when she was transported to an area hospital where she was pronounced dead. Authorities claim West and Craig had "deprived the child of proper nutrition" during the time they served as her guardians.
Records obtained by regional Fox affiliate WHNS reveal that law enforcement had previously investigated allegations of abuse at the residence. On March 28, 2025—less than a month before Cassie's death—deputies responded to an alleged assault at the same home. During that incident, Bradley Kyle Craig allegedly struck a child "in the back of the head twice with his hand" and later admitted to the conduct. It remains unclear whether Cassie was the victim in that prior complaint.
The Investigation
Greenville County Sheriff's Office detectives launched a homicide investigation following Cassie's death. After reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses, investigators determined there was probable cause to believe both guardians had engaged in conduct that directly contributed to the child's fatal condition.
Nancy Dianne West, 42, and Bradley Kyle Craig, 46, were arrested at their Travelers Rest residence and booked into the Greenville County Detention Center. Both have been charged with homicide by child abuse—a serious felony offense under South Carolina law that carries significant prison time upon conviction.
The sheriff's office has not disclosed whether West or Craig are biologically related to Cassie or how they came to be her legal guardians. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have indicated additional charges could be filed as the case develops.
Key Takeaways
- 4-year-old Cassie Cheryl Ann Owens died after allegedly being deprived of proper nutrition by her legal guardians
- Nancy Dianne West, 42, and Bradley Kyle Craig, 46, were both charged with homicide by child abuse
- A prior assault investigation occurred at the same residence on March 28, 2025, involving an allegation that Craig struck a child in the head
- The girl was in cardiac arrest when brought to the hospital and could not be revived
What's Next
West and Craig remain in custody at the Greenville County Detention Center pending bond hearings. A preliminary hearing date has not yet been set. The Greenville County Sheriff's Office continues its homicide investigation and is working with local prosecutors to build the case. Authorities have urged anyone with additional information about prior incidents at the residence to contact Crime Stoppers.