Cause of Death Revealed for Two Toddlers Found Dead in Their Mother’s Home

A heartbreaking South Carolina case has taken an even more devastating turn after authorities revealed how two young sisters died while in the care of their mother.
Emory Deacon, 2, and her 15-month-old sister, Harlow Deacon, were found dead inside their home in Ladson, South Carolina, on September 29 during a welfare check. Their family said the girls actually died five days earlier, on September 24.

The Charleston County Coroner’s Office determined that both children died from starvation and dehydration due to neglect. Their deaths have been classified as homicides.

Their mother, 31-year-old Justine Marie May, has been arrested and charged with two counts of homicide by child abuse.

The case is particularly disturbing because family members had reportedly been growing increasingly concerned about the children in the weeks before they were found. Screenshots of messages shared by May showed relatives repeatedly pleading to see the girls and asking her to get help.

The children’s father, Zack Deacon, was also reportedly desperate to reach May. In one message, he pleaded with her to seek help and reminded her that she had always been a good mother.

Authorities said deputies had conducted 13 welfare checks at the home in the weeks before the girls’ deaths. According to the sheriff’s office, however, deputies did not observe signs of concern during those visits.

When police eventually arrived at the home on September 29, May was reportedly speaking incoherently. According to an affidavit, she allegedly told investigators she had been in a “blur” for about two weeks and could not remember how many days had passed since she last fed her children. She allegedly acknowledged that the lack of food may have contributed to their deaths.

Despite the tragic circumstances, the girls’ family has remembered them not for the way they died, but for the joy they brought during their short lives.
In an online obituary, Emory was described as a bright, free-spirited child who loved music, dancing and watching Ms. Rachel and Bluey. Harlow was remembered as a happy little girl who loved giving sweet kisses.

“Though their lives were far too brief,” their family wrote, “they were filled with music, dancing, laughter” and love.

May remains charged in connection with the deaths. Court records did not indicate a plea or attorney information as of the latest report, and she is scheduled to ap