HEARTBREAKING UPDATE: CAUSE OF DEATH REVEALED FOR TWO TODDLERS FOUND DEAD AFTER FAMILY BEGGED TO SEE THEM

Two little sisters were found dead inside their South Carolina home. Now, authorities have revealed what happened — as disturbing messages show relatives had been desperately trying to reach them.

The deaths of two young sisters in South Carolina have taken an even more heartbreaking turn after authorities released their cause of death.

Harlow Deacon, just 15 months old, and her sister Emory Deacon, 2, were found deceased inside their home in Ladson, South Carolina, on September 29.

Their mother, 31-year-old Justine Marie May, has been charged with two counts of homicide by child abuse.

Now, the Charleston County Coroner’s Office has determined that both children died from starvation and dehydration due to neglect. Their deaths have been classified as homicides.

FAMILY MEMBERS HAD BEEN BEGGING TO SEE THE GIRLS

In the weeks before the children were found, relatives had reportedly become increasingly worried about their welfare.

Screenshots of text messages and emails shared online by May show family members repeatedly asking to see the girls.

In one message, May’s mother reportedly said she had not seen the children since August 14 and questioned why she had been prevented from seeing them.

The girls’ father, Zack Deacon, also sent messages pleading with May to seek help.

According to PEOPLE, he wrote that the situation was not like her and begged her to get help, while reminding her that she was the mother of Emory and Harlow.

Another message, reportedly from May’s aunt, urged her to remember that the children needed their family around them.

POLICE HAD BEEN CALLED BEFORE

One of the most striking details in the case is that authorities had already conducted multiple welfare checks at the home.

According to the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, deputies conducted 13 welfare checks at the residence over a period of several weeks.

However, authorities previously said those checks did not reveal signs of concern at the time.

The children were ultimately discovered during another welfare check on September 29.

Their family later said in a joint obituary that the girls had died on September 24.

WHAT HAPPENED WHEN POLICE ARRIVED?

According to PEOPLE, May was reportedly speaking incoherently when officers encountered her outside the home.

She allegedly told investigators she had been in a “blur” for approximately two weeks and could not remember how many days had passed since she had last fed her children.

She allegedly told police that she believed the lack of food contributed to their deaths.

Those statements are allegations reported in connection with the investigation and have not been established as facts at trial.

TWO LITTLE GIRLS REMEMBERED BY THEIR FAMILY

Despite the devastating circumstances surrounding their deaths, Harlow and Emory are being remembered by their family for the joy they brought into their short lives.

Their obituary described the sisters as “precious bundles of joy.”

Family members said their lives were filled with music, dancing, laughter and children’s shows.

Emory was remembered as a child with a distinctive personality who spoke remarkably well for her age.

Harlow was remembered as a happy little girl who loved giving kisses.

Their lives lasted only a few years — but their family says those years were filled with moments they will never forget.

MOTHER FACES TWO HOMICIDE CHARGES

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

As of the latest PEOPLE report, online court records did not list a plea or attorney information for May.

She is scheduled to appear in court in November.

The investigation and legal proceedings are continuing.

For the families of Harlow and Emory, however, the central tragedy remains painfully simple: two very young sisters who should have had their entire lives ahead of them are gone.

And now, as the legal case moves forward, their loved ones are left to confront the unanswered questions surrounding the final days of their lives.