CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) – Within the last month, family members of the woman now charged with two counts of homicide by child abuse expressed their concerns regarding her and her children’s safety.
Deputies with the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office responded Tuesday to an incident in the 3200 block of Pinewood Drive in Ladson where two individuals were found dead.
Wednesday morning, the homeowner, 31-year-old Justine May, was charged with two counts of homicide by child abuse.
Ex-boyfriend’s prior arrest, concerns about welfare of children
The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office responded to the same home Sept. 11 regarding a reported mental health crisis.
Zachary Deacon was arrested for harassment in the second degree after May alleged Deacon, her former boyfriend, was continuing contact after prior domestic violence.
Documents state Deacon called May delusional, spiraling, and in need of getting a grip on reality while referencing involvement with the Department of Social Services.
Documents say May told police that Deacon repeatedly drives past her home and continues to involve himself in welfare concerns regarding her and her children.
Court records show Deacon was granted a $25,000 personal recognizance bond on Sept. 13.
Multiple family members of May told Live 5 News they have personally called the Department of Social Services and law enforcement within the last month regarding the wellness of her and the children under her care.
The Charleston County Coroner’s Office has not yet confirmed the two people found dead inside the Ladson home Tuesday are her children or released the ages of the victims.
May’s social media
May herself posted on Facebook Sept. 13, sharing screenshots of concerned text messages and emails allegedly from family members.
One email specifically expressed concerns about May’s parenting, with the screenshot reading, “It is not only about you – it’s about those two babies who rely on you for their life and well-being. As hard and heartbreaking it is to admit this to you, the signs of neglect are there…”
The email went on to list claims of times May left her children on their own.
“It was telling when I saw how long you kept the girls in their room with the door closed. They wake up in the morning and stay in there with soaked diapers until noon,” the screenshot said.
“I believe you have an Adderall addiction or suffering from postpartum depression or both,” the screenshot said. “This is the terrifying part of all of this – this could lead to you harming the girls and/or yourself. DSS already has an open case file on you – did you know that?”
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