South Carolina Parents Charged After Rat Bites Found on Twin Infants

BELTON, S.C. — A South Carolina couple is facing child endangerment charges after authorities discovered their twin infants had been bitten by rats inside their home.

According to the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, Akayla and Justin Bearden, both 24, were arrested and charged with two counts of unlawful conduct toward a child. Deputies were called to the couple’s residence in Belton early Friday morning after the mother called 911 to report that one of her 6-month-old children was bleeding.

Responding deputies said the baby girl was found covered in blood inside her bassinet, with bite marks visible on her arms, head, ears, and face. The sheriff’s office said the injuries were consistent with rodent bites and reported the mother told dispatchers that a “large rat started eating the child.”

The injured infant was rushed to Greenville Memorial Hospital for treatment and is expected to remain there for several days. During the investigation, deputies also discovered that the baby has a twin brother, who had similar bite marks on his feet.

Authorities say the Beardens admitted that field rats had been an ongoing problem in their home for several months, but they continued to allow their children to live in those conditions.

The Department of Social Services has taken custody of the twins and a third child also found in the home. The sheriff’s office stated that the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming.

Akayla and Justin Bearden are scheduled to appear in court for a bond hearing on Tuesday morning.