Nationwide — Janette Clayton, a 27-year-old African American mother from North Charleston, South Carolina, was arrested after her 11-month-old baby was found dead in an insect-infested apartment. Two officers were placed on administrative leave while investigators review prior responses to the same address.
Authorities said officers responded on Wednesday around 1:30 p.m. to an apartment on Eleanor Drive in North Charleston. Firefighters were already inside the unit when police arrived and were performing life-saving measures on the infant.
According to Live 5 News, officers found the baby near the front door, partially wrapped in a blanket. Emergency responders pronounced the child dead at the scene shortly after arriving.
Clayton was outside the apartment at the time with the child’s paternal grandmother and two other children. Police detained her following the discovery and began a formal investigation into the circumstances.
A protective sweep of the apartment revealed no basic child-care items. Officers also reported there was no food inside the home. They further noted a severe insect infestation throughout the unit, including areas such as the refrigerator and drawers.
Lieutenant Anthony J. King confirmed that officers had previously responded to the same apartment before the infant’s death. Following that information, the North Charleston Police Department placed two officers on administrative leave and requested the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division to lead a full review of the case.
Clayton was later taken to the Al Cannon Detention Center and charged with unlawful conduct toward a child.