A child’s death inside a North Charleston apartment has triggered a criminal case and an internal police review after officers discovered what they described as unsafe and unsanitary living conditions. The 11-month-old was found unresponsive Thursday afternoon, partially wrapped in a blanket near the doorway of a residence on Eleanor Drive.
NORTH CHARLESTON, SC – Emergency responders were called just before 1:30 p.m. to the 2200 block of Eleanor Drive, where firefighters had already begun lifesaving efforts on the infant. Despite those attempts, EMS pronounced the child dead at the scene, according to a statement from the North Charleston Police Department.
Janette Clayton, 27, has been charged with three counts of unlawful conduct toward a child in connection with the case, police said. She was outside the apartment with the child’s paternal grandmother and her two other children when officers arrived, according to local reporting.
Conditions inside apartment under investigation
A protective sweep of the apartment revealed what officers described as a lack of basic necessities for child care. Investigators later obtained a search warrant and reported that the home contained no food or child-care supplies.
“Investigators later executed a search warrant and reported finding no food or child-care supplies inside the home,” the police department said. “Authorities also observed a severe insect infestation throughout the residence, including in the refrigerator and drawers.”
Police said the infant had been living in “unsafe living conditions,” though the official cause of death has not yet been released.
Officers placed on leave as state probe begins
The case has also prompted an internal review within the police department after officials confirmed that two officers had previously visited the same apartment. Both officers have been placed on leave pending further investigation.
“NCPD is committed to maintaining the highest standards of conduct and accountability,” said North Charleston Police Lt. Anthony J. King.
The department has requested that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division conduct an independent review of the case, citing concerns about the earlier response.
“We have requested SLED’s assistance due to concerns about the initial investigation and how it conforms with our department policy,” police said in a second statement. “This request process has just started and additional information will be unavailable until the process is complete.”
Clayton was taken to the Al Cannon Detention Center following her arrest. Jail records did not immediately reflect her booking status as of Friday.
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