Family members and the Ladson, South Carolina community are mourning Emory Rose Deacon and Harlow Paige Deacon, two young sisters whose deaths have become the subject of a homicide investigation.
Emory, age 2, and Harlow, 15 months old, were found dead inside a home on Pinewood Drive in Ladson during a welfare check on September 29, 2026.
The Charleston County Coroner’s Office later determined that both children died from starvation and dehydration due to neglect.
Their deaths were officially ruled homicides.
Their mother, Justine Marie May, 31, has been charged with two counts of homicide by child abuse.
Who Were Emory and Harlow Deacon?
Emory Rose Deacon was born on December 12, 2023, in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
Her younger sister, Harlow Paige Deacon, was born on June 6, 2025, also in Mount Pleasant.
The sisters lived in Ladson.
Their official obituary remembers them as joyful young children whose short lives were filled with music, dancing, laughter and the television shows they enjoyed.
Emory was remembered for her expressive personality and ability to speak remarkably well for her age.
Harlow was described as a happy baby who loved giving kisses and bringing joy to the people around her.
What Happened to Emory and Harlow?
Charleston County deputies and a Department of Social Services caseworker went to the family’s home on Pinewood Drive on September 29 for a welfare check.
After making contact with the children’s mother, responders entered the residence to check on the girls.
Inside, they found both children deceased.
The discovery immediately triggered a major investigation involving the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies.
Cause of Death Confirmed
Charleston County Coroner Bobbi Jo O’Neal later released the findings concerning the girls’ deaths.
Authorities determined that Emory and Harlow died from:
Starvation and dehydration due to neglect.
The manner of death for both children was ruled homicide.
Those findings transformed the case from an unexplained child-death investigation into a criminal homicide case.
Mother Charged With Homicide by Child Abuse
The children’s mother, Justine Marie May, 31, was arrested and charged with two counts of homicide by child abuse.
Court documents indicate investigators believe the children had gone without adequate food and care before their deaths.
The charges against May remain allegations.
She is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until she is convicted in court.
Family Members Had Raised Concerns
Court documents and reporting surrounding the case indicate that relatives had previously expressed concern about the children’s welfare.
Family members reportedly attempted to contact May and asked to see Emory and Harlow.
Authorities had also been called to the residence on multiple occasions in the weeks before the girls were found dead.
The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office said deputies had visited the home several times since August.
During some of those visits, deputies and other responding agencies reported seeing no immediate signs that caused them to remove the children.
The circumstances surrounding those earlier welfare checks are now receiving additional scrutiny.
Sheriff’s Office Conducting Internal Review
The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office has said its Office of Professional Standards is conducting a routine internal review related to the case.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s Special Victims Unit and Department of Child Fatalities also became involved.
Such reviews are intended to examine previous agency contacts and determine whether policies and procedures were followed.
The existence of a review does not itself establish wrongdoing by deputies or other officials.
What Has Been Confirmed
Emory Rose Deacon was 2 years old.
Harlow Paige Deacon was 15 months old.
Both children lived in Ladson, South Carolina.
Their bodies were discovered during a welfare check on September 29, 2026.
The Charleston County Coroner determined that both girls died from starvation and dehydration due to neglect.
Their manners of death were ruled homicide.
Their mother, Justine Marie May, has been charged with two counts of homicide by child abuse.
The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office is investigating.
What Remains Under Investigation
Authorities continue examining the circumstances leading up to the deaths.
Investigators may review previous welfare checks, communication between family members and agencies, the condition of the home and other evidence gathered during the investigation.
The criminal case against May is also still pending.
No conviction has been entered.
Additional information may become public as court proceedings continue.
Remembering Emory and Harlow
The circumstances surrounding the deaths are deeply disturbing, but Emory and Harlow’s family has asked that the girls also be remembered for the lives they lived.
Their obituary describes two children filled with personality and joy.
Emory loved music and dancing and enjoyed watching Ms. Rachel and Bluey.
Her family remembered her as bright, expressive and free-spirited.
Harlow was remembered as cheerful and affectionate, particularly for the kisses she loved to give.
Those memories offer a picture of the sisters beyond the criminal investigation now associated with their names.
Family Members Left to Mourn
The sisters are survived by their father, Zachary “Zack” Deacon, along with their half-brother, grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.
For their relatives, the loss is immeasurable.
Their obituary emphasizes the happiness Emory and Harlow brought into the lives of those who loved them despite the tragically short time they were here.
Funeral Arrangements
Funeral services for Emory and Harlow are scheduled for:
Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
The service will take place at:
Dial-Murray Funeral Home
300 West Main Street
Moncks Corner, South Carolina 29461
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Moncks Corner.
Two Young Lives Remembered Together
Emory and Harlow entered the world less than two years apart and will now be remembered together.
Their obituary focuses on the laughter, affection and personalities they shared with their family.
Those memories stand in painful contrast to the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
While investigators and courts determine legal responsibility, their family is left mourning two children whose lives ended far too soon.
What Happens Next
The criminal investigation and court case will continue.
Authorities may release additional information about the timeline leading up to the girls’ deaths and previous interactions between the family and government agencies.
The Sheriff’s Office internal review may also provide more clarity about earlier welfare checks.
Meanwhile, relatives will gather on October 8 to say goodbye to Emory and Harlow and remember them as the joyful little girls their family knew and loved.
Disclaimer
This article is based on confirmed information from the Charleston County Coroner’s Office, current reporting and the official funeral obituary for Emory and Harlow Deacon.
The coroner has officially ruled that both children died from starvation and dehydration due to neglect and classified their deaths as homicides.
Justine Marie May has been charged with two counts of homicide by child abuse. Those charges remain allegations unless proven in court.
Any additional claims about responsibility, previous agency actions or events inside the home should not be treated as established facts unless confirmed through official records or court proceedings.