Sheriff defends handling of case after girls found dead

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 16:49 · Archive

Charleston County Sheriff Carl Ritchie responded to public scrutiny over the investigation into two young girls found dead in Ladson, South Carolina.

Two girls, Emory and Harlow Deacon, aged 2 and 15 months, were found dead last Tuesday during a welfare check at a home in the 3200 block of Pinewood Drive in Ladson, South Carolina. Their mother, Justine May, 31, has been charged with two counts of homicide by child abuse.

Charleston County Sheriff Carl Ritchie held a press conference on Friday to address growing public scrutiny and questions from the family about the investigation. Ritchie said the briefing had been delayed because authorities had been asked to let their work proceed before holding a public briefing. 'Over the past 11 days, there has been considerable public discussion about this case,' Ritchie said, adding that concerns raised 'absolutely deserve answers.'

Ritchie addressed criticism over an interview he gave to a news organisation, which the girls' family said left them 'deeply disheartened'. The sheriff clarified that the interview took place at a public event called National Night Out and was not exclusive. He defended his office's communication record, stating that since 29 September his office had issued three press releases to provide information and respond to questions. 'At no time have I, or my communications team, dodged questions,' he said.

Ritchie also addressed community questions about whether deputies had seen the children during multiple welfare checks. Body-worn camera records show deputies saw the children with their mother on six dates: 25, 26 and 30 August, and 8, 11 and 12 September.

How it is being reported

• Charleston County sheriff responds to scrutiny over Ladson investigationAuthorities on Friday gave their first public comments since two young girls were found dead inside a Ladson home.WISTV · 9 Oct, 16:06
• WATCH LIVE: Authorities hold press conference discussing Ladson incidentThe press conference will be led by the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office and will begin at 10 a.m.Live5News · 9 Oct, 14:57

In this story: Emory Deacon · Harlow Deacon · Justine May · Carl Ritchie · Charleston County Sheriff's Office · Ladson

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