News Summary
A 6-month-old girl in Belton, South Carolina, was attacked by a field rat, prompting the arrest of her parents on charges of unlawful conduct towards a child. The infant was found injured in her bassinet, and her twin brother was also discovered with bite marks. The family had been struggling with a rat infestation, raising concerns about the children’s living conditions. The authorities have taken custody of the children to ensure their safety, as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding this horrifying incident.
Belton, South Carolina – A serious incident involving a 6-month-old girl being attacked by a field rat has led to the arrest of her parents in Anderson County. The event unfolded early Friday morning in a home located on D and M Drive in Belton, where the baby’s mother discovered her child covered in blood in her bassinet.
The infant sustained multiple bite marks on her arms, ears, back of the head, and face. Following the discovery, the baby was promptly transported to Greenville Memorial Hospital for urgent medical treatment and is currently recuperating under medical care but is expected to remain hospitalized for several days.
As investigations progressed, it became clear that the baby has a twin brother who was also found with bite marks on his feet, raising concerns regarding the living conditions of the children. The parents, 24-year-old Akayla Bearden and Justin Bearden, have since been arrested and now face two counts of unlawful conduct towards a child.
Authorities uncovered that the Bearden family had been grappling with a significant field rat problem in their single-wide home for several months. Despite being aware of this dangerous situation, the parents allowed their vulnerable children to continue living in the premises, which led to this horrifying incident.
In light of these events, all three children, including the twins, have been placed under the custody of the Department of Social Services (DSS) to ensure their safety and well-being. The state of the home environment, alongside the health of the children, has raised substantial concerns from the authorities.
The parents are set to appear for a bond hearing on Tuesday at 7 a.m. as the case continues to be investigated by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office. Law enforcement is determined to address any underlying issues related to the welfare of the children following this disturbing situation.
The incident highlights the potential dangers that can arise from neglecting home safety and health issues, particularly in households with young children. Ensuring a safe environment for children is paramount, as they are particularly vulnerable to harm from pests such as rats, which can transmit diseases and cause physical injuries.
The case draws attention to the responsibility of parents in providing a secure and healthy living environment for their children and the critical role of social services in safeguarding the welfare of minors involved in such distressing circumstances.
As investigations loom, the community is left in shock, seeking answers on how such a preventable situation could occur. Moving forward, local authorities are likely to increase awareness about home safety as well as the protocols for reporting hazardous living conditions, particularly for families with small children.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Greenville Police Arrest Suspect After Gas Station Robbery
Additional Resources
- WYFF 4 News
- Wikipedia: Child Neglect
- Fox Carolina News
- Google Search: Child Safety
- KPLCTV News
- Google Scholar: Home Environment Safety Children
- WSPA News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rodent Infestation
- News Channel 9
- Google News: Anderson County Child Protection
