11-Month-Old Was Found Dead Inside A Home That Had A Severe Insect Infestation.
Shortly before 1:30 p.m., officers and emergency medical personnel responded to an apartment in the 2200 block of Eleanor Drive in North Charleston, South Carolina, after an 11-month-old baby was found unresponsive. Upon arrival, officers found the baby partially wrapped in a blanket near the front doorway. North Charleston firefighters performed lifesaving measures on the infant. Charleston County EMS later pronounced the child dead at the scene.
Police said the child’s mother, 27-year-old Janette Elizabeth Clayton, was outside the residence with the baby’s paternal grandmother and two of her other children when officers arrived.
According to police, officers conducted a protective sweep of the apartment and found a lack of items necessary for child care.
Investigators later executed a search warrant and reported finding no food or child-care supplies inside the home.
Authorities also said the apartment had a severe insect infestation throughout the residence.
Police said insects were found inside the refrigerator and drawers.
Clayton was arrested and charged with three counts of unlawful conduct toward a child.
She was transported to the Al Cannon Detention Center.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing and is being conducted by North Charleston detectives, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the Charleston County Coroner’s Office.
North Charleston authorities also said officers who had previously responded to the apartment have been placed on leave as part of the ongoing investigation.
The charges are accusations, and Clayton is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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