From Law & Crime · · 2m
Mother faces upgraded charges after emaciated 11-month-old found dead
South Carolina mother charged with homicide after infant found emaciated in filthy apartment.
In brief
South Carolina mother charged with homicide after infant found emaciated in filthy apartment. Janette Clayton, 27, faces homicide by child abuse charges after 11-month-old child was found dead weighing just over 4 pounds in North Charleston, South Carolina. Originally reported by Law & Crime.
Child found dead
An 11-month-old child was discovered dead in a filthy apartment in North Charleston, South Carolina.
Initial charges
Janette Clayton, 27, was initially charged with three counts of unlawful conduct toward a child.
Child's condition
The child was found emaciated and weighed approximately 4 pounds 13 ounces.
Discovery details
Police found the child partially wrapped in a blanket near the front doorway at 1:30 p.m. on June 17.
Living conditions
The apartment was infested with cockroaches and flies and lacked necessary food and child-care supplies.
Medical examiner report
The autopsy revealed the child died from starvation with acute bronchopneumonia due to neglect.
Current charges
Clayton now faces homicide by child abuse charges after the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division upgraded the case.
Arrest details
Clayton was arrested on lesser initial charges and detained at the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center.
Child's medical history
The child was born prematurely in July 2025 and diagnosed with sickle cell disease requiring medical appointments.
Child's medical neglect
Clayton allegedly did not take the child to any medical appointments despite the diagnosis.
Investigation findings
Police found no food or child-care supplies in the apartment and severe insect infestations throughout.
Case status
The case will be prosecuted by the 9th Circuit Solicitor's Office with no trial date set.
Child's cause of death
The child died from starvation with acute bronchopneumonia due to neglect, according to the medical examiner.
Current status
Clayton remains detained at the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center in Charleston County.
What matters most
Janette Clayton, 27, faces homicide by child abuse charges after 11-month-old child was found dead weighing just over 4 pounds in North Charleston, South Carolina.
