CAUSE OF DEATH REVEALED FOR TWO TODDLERS FOUND DEAD IN SOUTH CAROLINA HOME

Harlow and Emory Deacon died from starvation and dehydration due to neglect, according to the county coroner, as their mother faces homicide charges

The cause of death has been released for two young sisters whose bodies were discovered inside their South Carolina home after relatives had repeatedly pleaded for access to them.

Harlow Deacon, 15 months old, and her sister Emory Deacon, 2, died from starvation and dehydration due to neglect, according to the Charleston County Coroner’s Office. Their deaths have been classified as homicides.

The girls were found inside their family home in Ladson on September 29, during a welfare check. Their family has said they died several days earlier, on September 24.

Their mother, 31-year-old Justine Marie May, has been charged with two counts of homicide by child abuse in connection with their deaths. She remains in custody, and the allegations against her have not been proven in court.

A WELFARE CHECK ENDS IN A HORRIFIC DISCOVERY

Authorities were called to the Pinewood Drive residence on September 29 after a concerned person contacted 911.

The caller reportedly told dispatchers that May had been seen walking through the neighborhood without her children — something the caller said was unusual.

When deputies arrived, May was reportedly crying and speaking incoherently. Authorities then entered the home and discovered the two children.

According to recently released affidavits, May allegedly told investigators that the previous two weeks had been a “blur” and that she could not remember the last time she had fed or given her daughters anything to drink.

Investigators say May acknowledged that failing to feed the children was neglectful.

FAMILY MEMBERS HAD BEEN RAISING ALARMS

The tragedy has also raised questions about the family’s repeated attempts to check on the girls.

According to PEOPLE, screenshots of messages shared online showed May’s mother, the children’s father and other relatives pleading to see Emory and Harlow.

May’s mother reportedly wrote that she had not seen the girls since August 14 and questioned why she was being prevented from seeing them. The children’s father, Zack Deacon, also urged May to seek help.

Zack later spoke through his attorney, saying the family believes the girls’ deaths could have been prevented.

“Neighbors, friends, and family all called trying to get help for these girls,” his attorney said in a statement released on his behalf.

AUTHORITIES HAD BEEN TO THE HOME BEFORE

The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office has said deputies responded to 21 calls concerning the residence beginning August 10 and made 13 separate visits before the children were found.

Those responses included welfare checks, follow-up visits and coordination with the South Carolina Department of Social Services and other agencies.

The sheriff’s office said that during previous contacts, deputies did not observe signs indicating an immediate danger to the children’s welfare.

The agency has since faced questions over whether more could have been done before the girls’ deaths.

The sheriff’s office has defended its personnel, saying deputies followed supervisory direction and established procedures.

REMEMBERED AS TWO HAPPY LITTLE GIRLS

Away from the investigation, relatives have remembered Emory and Harlow for the joy they brought into their family’s lives.

An online obituary described the sisters as “precious bundles of joy,” remembering their laughter, music, dancing and love of children’s programs.

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

Harlow was remembered for her happy nature and the sweet kisses she loved to give her family.

A candlelight vigil was held in Summerville on October 4, with community members bringing candles, photographs and flowers to honor the sisters.

MOTHER FACES TWO HOMICIDE CHARGES

May was arrested following the discovery of the children and charged with two counts of homicide by child abuse.

According to PEOPLE, she is scheduled to appear in court in November. As of the latest reporting, court records did not indicate a plea or attorney information.

The investigation remains ongoing.

For now, the case leaves behind two young sisters whose lives ended far too soon — and a community asking how repeated concerns about their welfare could fail to prevent such a devastating outcome.