Two parents from South Carolina have been released from prison after their infant twins were found with serious injuries from rat bites. The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office reported that last week, the mother discovered her six-month-old daughter covered in blood at their home in Belton.
Authorities indicated that the child’s twin brother also showed signs of being bitten. A judge granted personal recognizance bonds on Tuesday to the parents, 24-year-old Akayla Bearden and Justin Bearden. However, media sources stated that the couple is barred from contacting children unless authorized by the state’s social services.
Background
The baby in question sustained a severe injury from a bite inflicted by an outdoor rat and is currently recovering at Greenville Memorial Hospital. According to officials, deputies quickly responded when the mother called 911 early Friday morning after noticing blood around the bassinet. Belton is situated approximately 40 minutes south of Greenville.
The bite marks were reported to extend to the infant’s arms, head, and face. Investigators have also pointed out that the parents admitted to an ongoing problem with field rats in their home, which is a single-wide trailer. Yet, they continued to keep their children in that environment.
Moreover, it was noted that the injured twin is not the only one affected, as evidence showed that the other twin also has bite marks on his leg. The parents now face charges of illegal conduct concerning their children, and all three infants are under the care of the state Department of Human Services.
As for the six-month-old girl, she is expected to remain hospitalized for a few more days while the case is being investigated. The parents are set to appear again in court on July 31.
