Former Charleston County Sheriff Kristin Graziano says children’s deaths could have been avoided
Former Charleston County Sheriff Kristin Graziano stated that the deaths of two children could have been avoided, arguing that the system entrusted with their protection failed them repeatedly, according to live5news.com. Two-year-old Emory Deacon and her 15-month-old sister, Harlow Deacon, were found dead from starvation and dehydration on September 29, 2026, at a home on Pinewood Drive, as reported by carolinacourier.substack.com.
Charges and Arrests Following Child Deaths in Ladson
The children’s mother, 31-year-old Justine Marie May, faces two counts of Homicide by Child Abuse. She waived a bond hearing and remains in custody at the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center. The arrest affidavit states she demonstrated an extreme indifference for human life by failing to provide basic sustenance.
Days before the discovery of the bodies, the children’s father, Zachary Deacon, was arrested by Charleston County Sheriff’s Office deputies on September 12, 2026, for harassment in the second degree. Zachary Deacon had previously contacted authorities to report that May was experiencing a mental health crisis and that the children were at risk. Graziano criticized the handling of those warnings, stating that the father became a victim of the system himself when he sought help.
Deputies Respond to Pinewood Drive Home Thirteen Times
Records show that the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office visited the Pinewood Drive residence at least 13 times beginning August 10, 2026. Deputies made contact with the mother and children on multiple occasions, reporting no signs of concern during visits that included a joint check with the Department of Social Services and another with a Department of Mental Health Mobile Crisis unit, according to carolinacourier.substack.com.
On September 29, 2026, a neighbor called 911 after seeing May walking outside without her children. Dispatch audio obtained by news outlets captured a responding deputy stating they were no longer conducting welfare checks at that specific address. Sheriff Carl Ritchie subsequently issued a statement defending the deputy, maintaining that he followed established policies and procedures. Graziano disputed that justification, arguing that every red flag regarding infant safety should have prompted immediate intervention rather than hesitation.
Safety Plans and Family Warnings Preceded the Tragedy
Graziano emphasized that investigators or the Department of Social Services should have implemented a formal safety plan. Such a measure permits regular home checkups, offers parental support services, and initiates judicial oversight. In the weeks prior to the tragedy, a relative exchanged messages with May warning of suspected postpartum depression and Adderall addiction, noting parallels to unrelated mental health cases in Massachusetts and expressing deep concern over communication barriers and the welfare of the girls.
As the legal proceedings move forward, public scrutiny remains focused on the institutional responses to the numerous calls placed prior to the discovery on Pinewood Drive. No further court dates have been publicly released.