by ERIN PARROTT
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A Charleston County woman is facing a homicide by child abuse charge after investigators determined a child in her care died from starvation and medical neglect, according to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
27-year-old Janette Elizabeth Clayton of North Charleston, was charged Wednesday (November 4, 2026), following an investigation requested by the North Charleston Police Department (NCPD).
According to an arrest warrant, the alleged abuse and neglect occurred between July 12, 2025, and June 17, 2026.
Investigators allege the child – who was born prematurely and diagnosed with sickle cell disease – required medically necessary appointments that Clayton failed to ensure the child attended.
On June 17, 2026, the child was discovered unresponsive and pronounced dead at the family’s residence.
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According to the probable cause affidavit, the child was severely emaciated at the time of death, weighing approximately four pounds and 13 ounces.
Investigators also described the home as being in “deplorable condition” and infested with cockroaches and flies. Authorities further noted the residence lacked necessary food for the child.
An autopsy subsequently determined the child’s cause of death was starvation with acute bronchopneumonia due to neglect. The manner of death was ruled a homicide.
According to investigators, Clayton was the child’s sole caregiver during the period of alleged abuse and neglect.
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Clayton was charged by SLED at the Sheriff Al Cannon detention center in Charleston County, where she was already being held on related charges filed by NCPD. The case will be prosecuted by the S.C. Ninth Circuit solicitor’s office.
As with anyone accused of committing a crime, Clayton is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
FITSNews will continue following this case and provide updates as additional information becomes available.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR…
Erin Parrott is a Greenville, S.C. native who graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2025 with a bachelor degree in broadcast journalism. Got feedback or a tip for Erin? Email her here.
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