A horrifying incident in Anderson County, South Carolina, has left a six-month-old girl hospitalized after deputies say a rat attacked the infant while she slept in her cradle. Authorities describe the child’s injuries as severe, with bite marks found across her arms, face, ears, and the back of her head.
According to a report from the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, the emergency call came in early Friday morning from a home on D and M Drive. The child’s mother dialed 911 in a panic after discovering her baby covered in blood inside her bassinet.
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Deputies responding to the scene were met with a disturbing situation. The infant was immediately transported to Greenville Memorial Hospital for treatment. While the extent of her injuries has not been fully disclosed, her current condition remains unknown.
As investigators questioned the parents identified as 24-year-olds Akayla Bearden and Justin Bearden, they learned the situation was even more troubling. The baby’s twin brother was also found to have bite marks on his feet, suggesting the rodent issue in the home was not an isolated incident, according to Fox Carolina.
Deputies said the parents admitted to being aware of a rat infestation that had plagued the household for several months. Despite the ongoing problem, they continued to keep their three young children in home without addressing the safety concerns.
As a result, both Akayla and Justin Bearden have been charged with two counts of unlawful conduct toward a child a felony offense in South Carolina. The charges reflect the authorities’ belief that the couple failed to take reasonable action to protect their children from known and preventable harm.
The Department of Social Services has since taken custody of all three of the Bearden children as the investigation continues. Officials have not yet stated whether additional charges will be filed or if the family will regain custody at a later date.
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Sheriff’s deputies are also reportedly working with animal control and other agencies to assess the living conditions of the home and address the rodent infestation.
This shocking case has drawn widespread attention, raising serious concerns about child welfare, home safety, and the responsibilities of parents in dangerous living environments.
The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and urged anyone with further information to come forward. Meanwhile, the infant girl continues to receive medical care as doctors work to treat the extensive injuries caused by the rodent attack.
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