“PLEASE LET US SEE THE GIRLS” — FAMILY’S DESPERATE MESSAGES REVEALED BEFORE TWO LITTLE SISTERS WERE FOUND DEAD

In the weeks before 2-year-old Emory Deacon and 15-month-old Harlow Deacon were found dead inside their South Carolina home, members of their own family were desperately trying to reach them.

Texts, emails and social-media screenshots now reveal how relatives repeatedly pleaded with their mother, 31-year-old Justine May, to let them see the girls and accept help.

The messages have emerged as authorities investigate the deaths of the two sisters — a case that has left their family and the Ladson community devastated.

RELATIVES KEPT ASKING TO SEE THE CHILDREN

According to screenshots May herself shared on social media, members of her family had become increasingly concerned about Emory and Harlow.

In one text shared online on September 13, May’s mother said she had not seen the girls since August 14.

She questioned why she had been blocked from seeing her daughter and grandchildren and pleaded for contact with the children.

In another email, the woman expressed fears that the girls were being isolated from their father, grandparents, aunts and uncles.

Other relatives, including May’s aunt and uncle, also sent messages attempting to reach her and offer help.

THE GIRLS’ FATHER ALSO PLEADED WITH MAY

The children’s father, identified in the PEOPLE report as Zack, also sent a series of emotional messages.

He urged May to get help and told her that she was “spiraling,” according to screenshots she posted.

He reminded her that she was the mother of Emory and Harlow and repeatedly asked her to reconnect with those around her.

May presented the messages as part of her own account of conflicts with relatives and her former partner. Her responses showed that she believed family members were interfering in her life and described their attempts to contact her as harassment.

 AUTHORITIES HAD ALREADY BEEN CALLED REPEATEDLY

The family’s concerns were not limited to private messages.

According to the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and other agencies responded to the residence 13 times beginning August 10.

Authorities made contact with May and the children on several occasions, including August 25, August 26, September 8, September 11 and September 12.

Officials said that during those visits, they observed no immediate signs of concern.

The most recent welfare check before the discovery took place on September 20.

That history is now part of the investigation into what happened inside the home.

 THE TWO GIRLS WERE FOUND ON SEPTEMBER 29

On September 29, deputies and a family caseworker returned to the Ladson residence after another welfare concern was reported.

May reportedly came outside crying and speaking incoherently.

Because authorities knew she was the primary caregiver for the two children, deputies entered the home to check on them.

Inside, they found Emory and Harlow deceased.

The Charleston County Coroner later identified the girls and determined that both had died from starvation and dehydration due to neglect. The manner of death was classified as homicide.

 JUSTINE MAY FACES TWO HOMICIDE CHARGES

May, 31, has been charged with two counts of homicide by child abuse.

According to an arrest affidavit, May allegedly told investigators that she had been in a “blur” for about two weeks and could not remember the last time she had fed Emory and Harlow or given them something to drink.

Investigators say she acknowledged that she understood failing to provide food was neglectful and told them she had been the girls’ sole caregiver during the preceding weeks.

These allegations are contained in investigative documents. The criminal case remains ongoing, and May is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

A MOTHER’S OWN POSTS NOW FORM PART OF THE STORY

What makes the case particularly striking is that many of the messages became public because May herself posted screenshots of her conversations online.

She appeared to believe that relatives were unfairly judging and harassing her.

Her mother, however, was describing something very different: a grandmother who feared she was losing contact with two young children and worried that something terrible could happen.

One message even referenced another high-profile case involving a mother accused in the deaths of her children, explaining that the possibility haunted her.

The messages do not by themselves establish what happened inside the home, but they provide a record of the growing concern among people close to the family.

 EMORY AND HARLOW WILL BE REMEMBERED

Behind the disturbing circumstances of the investigation were two very young sisters whose lives were just beginning.

Their family obituary describes Emory Rose Deacon and Harlow Paige Deacon as joyful little girls who loved music, dancing and watching Ms. Rachel and Bluey.

Emory was remembered for her lively personality and remarkable ability to speak for her age.

Harlow was described as a happy baby who loved giving kisses.

Their family said their lives were far too brief, but the happiness they brought to those around them would remain in the hearts of everyone who knew them.

A FAMILY LEFT WITH QUESTIONS

Emory and Harlow’s deaths have raised painful questions about the warning signs that existed before the tragedy.

Relatives had repeatedly tried to see the girls.

Authorities had visited the home numerous times.

And yet, on September 29, the two children were found dead.

The criminal investigation will now determine what happened during the final weeks of their lives and whether additional charges or findings emerge.

The sisters’ funeral service is scheduled for October 8 in Moncks Corner, South Carolina.

Emory was two. Harlow was only 15 months old. Their family says their lives were far too short — but the love they brought into the world will not be forgotten.