An 11-month-old infant was found dead inside a filthy, insect-infested apartment in North Charleston, South Carolina, and the child's mother now faces criminal charges in connection with the death, authorities said Friday.
Background
The grim discovery unfolded just before 1:30 p.m. at an apartment on the 2200 block of Eleanor Drive when police and EMS personnel arrived to find North Charleston firefighters already performing lifesaving measures on the infant, according to the North Charleston Police Department. The child was found partially wrapped in a blanket near the front doorway.
A protective sweep of the residence revealed conditions investigators described as unsafe for a child. Authorities reported finding no food or basic child-care supplies inside the home. Investigators also documented what police described as a severe insect infestation throughout the residence, including in the refrigerator and drawers.
When officers arrived at the scene, Janette Clayton was waiting outside with the deceased child's paternal grandmother and her two other children, according to WCSC. The infant's cause of death has not yet been released.
The case took an unexpected turn when investigators discovered that two members of the North Charleston Police Department had previously visited the apartment where the child died. Both officers were subsequently placed on leave pending review.
The Charges
Janette Clayton, 27, was arrested and charged with three counts of unlawful conduct toward a child, the North Charleston Police Department said. She was detained at the Al Cannon Detention Center but was not listed as an inmate as of Friday.
Due to concerns about how the initial investigation was handled, the department requested that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division conduct what officials described as a thorough review of the case.
"We have requested SLED's assistance due to concerns about the initial investigation and how it conforms with our department policy," police said in a second press release. "This request process has just started and additional information will be unavailable until the process is complete."
North Charleston Police Lieutenant Anthony J. King emphasized the department's commitment to accountability.
"NCPD is committed to maintaining the highest standards of conduct and accountability," King told WCSC, the Charleston-based CBS affiliate.
Key Takeaways
- The 11-month-old was found partially wrapped in a blanket near the front doorway of an apartment on Eleanor Drive in North Charleston
- Investigators discovered no food or child-care supplies inside the residence; authorities documented severe insect infestation throughout the home
- Two police officers have been placed on leave after it emerged they had previously visited the apartment
- SLED has been asked to investigate how the initial case was handled by local authorities
What's Next
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division investigation into the department's handling of prior visits to the residence is underway. An autopsy to determine the infant's cause of death remains pending. Clayton is currently in custody at Al Cannon Detention Center facing three counts of unlawful conduct toward a child, though her next court appearance had not yet been scheduled as of Friday.