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by JENN WOOD
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Two young girls found dead inside a Ladson home Tuesday afternoon had allegedly gone without food and fluids while in their mother’s care, according to a probable cause affidavit that provides new details about the deaths — and confirms deputies had previously conducted welfare checks at the residence.
The affidavit identifies their mother as Justine Marie May (31) and alleges homicide by child abuse in connection with the death of a child identified in the filing as “Juvenile 2.”
According to the affidavit, May told investigators her daughters were approximately 18 months and 2½ years old. Their names are not included in the document.
Deputies with the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) responded to 3280 Pinewood Drive on Tuesday (September 29, 2026) for a welfare check. Earlier reports placed their arrival at approximately 1:17 p.m.
During the call, May came outside the home and began crying and speaking incoherently, according to the affidavit.
Because deputies had responded to previous welfare checks, they knew May was usually caring for her two young daughters, the filing states. Deputies entered the residence to check on the children’s safety and discovered both were deceased.
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The affidavit states the children were beyond the point at which lifesaving measures could be performed.
During an interview after being advised of her Miranda rights, May allegedly told detectives she had been in a “blur” for the previous two weeks and could not remember the last time she fed her children or gave them something to drink.
According to the filing, May told investigators she believed the children died because they had not eaten. She also allegedly acknowledged that failing to feed them was neglectful and said she had been their sole caregiver — and the only person present at the home — over the preceding weeks.
Investigators allege her failure to provide the children with basic sustenance contributed to their deaths. The affidavit does not include autopsy findings or an official medical determination of the cause of either child’s death.
The sheriff’s office is scheduled to hold a press conference Wednesday (September 30, 2026) to release additional details.
FITSNews has submitted requests under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act seeking records related to reports of multiple welfare-check calls in the months preceding Tuesday’s discovery.
While the affidavit confirms deputies had responded to earlier welfare checks, it does not establish when those checks occurred, how many were conducted, what prompted them or what deputies found.
Those details remain the subject of this outlet’s records requests.
FITSNews will update this report as additional information becomes available from Wednesday’s press conference and the requested records.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR …
As a private investigator turned journalist, Jenn Wood brings a unique skill set to FITSNews as its research director. Known for her meticulous sourcing and victim-centered approach, she helps shape the newsroom’s most complex investigative stories while producing the FITSFiles and Cheer Incorporated podcasts. Jenn lives in South Carolina with her family, where her work continues to spotlight truth, accountability, and justice.
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