6-Month-Old Twin Girl Severely Injured by Rat Bites, Twin Brother Also Harmed in South Carolina Home, Parents Charged with Child Neglect

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BELTON, S.C. — On the morning of May 9, 2025, a harrowing incident in Belton, South Carolina, led to the arrest of Akayla and Justin Bearden, a young couple charged with child neglect after their 6-month-old twin babies were found with rat bite wounds in their home. The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a frantic 911 call from the mother, who reported that her baby girl was “covered in blood.” Deputies arrived to discover the infant with severe bite marks on her face, arms, ears, and head, and her twin brother with bite marks on his feet. The parents admitted to knowing about a rat infestation in their home for months but failed to address it, allowing their vulnerable infants to remain in dangerous conditions. The injured baby girl was rushed to Greenville Memorial Hospital, and all three of the couple’s children, including the twins and an older sibling, were taken into custody by the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS). This 1,500-word report details the incident, the victims, the investigation, the context of child neglect in South Carolina, the community’s response, and broader implications, drawing on official statements, media reports, and social media sentiment.[](https://www.wsaw.com/2025/05/12/parents-charged-after-large-rat-starts-eating-baby-girl-deputies-say/)

### Incident Overview

The incident occurred in a residence in Belton, a small town in Anderson County, South Carolina, with a population of approximately 4,000. On May 9, 2025, at around 3:00 a.m., Akayla Bearden called 911, reporting that her 6-month-old daughter was “covered in blood” in her bassinet. According to the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrived at the home to find the infant girl with extensive injuries caused by a “large rat” that had been “eating” her, as described in official statements. The baby had bite marks on her face, arms, ears, back of the head, and other areas, with blood covering her and her bassinet. Her twin brother, also 6 months old, was found with less severe bite marks on his feet, indicating he too had been attacked by rodents.

The scene was described as horrific, with deputies noting the severity of the girl’s injuries, which required immediate medical attention. She was transported to Greenville Memorial Hospital, where she remains under treatment, though her current condition has not been publicly updated. The twin brother, while injured, did not require hospitalization, but both infants, along with an older sibling in the home, were removed from the parents’ custody by DSS for their safety. The parents, Akayla and Justin Bearden, were arrested and charged with two counts each of unlawful conduct toward a child, a felony in South Carolina that carries a potential penalty of up to seven years in prison per count.

The Beardens admitted to deputies that they were aware of a rat infestation in their home for “several months” but took no action to mitigate it, despite knowing the risks to their infants. The home’s condition was not detailed in public reports, but the presence of a “large rat” and the extent of the injuries suggest severe neglect of basic sanitation and safety measures. The incident has shocked the Belton community and drawn national attention, with media outlets like WHNS and posts on X highlighting the gruesome nature of the case.[](https://www.wsaw.com/2025/05/12/parents-charged-after-large-rat-starts-eating-baby-girl-deputies-say/)

### Victims

The primary victims are the 6-month-old twin girl and her twin brother, whose names have not been released to protect their privacy, consistent with South Carolina’s policies for minors involved in abuse cases. The baby girl suffered severe injuries, with bite marks across her face, arms, ears, and head, and was found in a blood-soaked bassinet, indicating a prolonged and violent attack by the rat. The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the gravity of her condition, noting that she was immediately taken to Greenville Memorial Hospital, where she is receiving treatment. The lack of updates on her prognosis suggests a critical situation, though no fatalities have been reported.

The twin brother, also 6 months old, sustained bite marks on his feet, indicating he was also exposed to the rodent threat, though his injuries were less severe. The presence of an older sibling, whose age and condition were not specified, adds to the scope of the neglect, as all three children were removed from the home by DSS. The twins’ vulnerability, given their age and inability to protect themselves, underscores the parents’ failure to ensure a safe environment. The emotional and physical toll on the children, particularly the injured girl, is likely significant, and their removal to DSS custody reflects the state’s priority to protect them from further harm.

### Investigation

The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation, with support from DSS and potentially the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) if the case escalates due to its severity. Deputies responded promptly to the 911 call, arriving at the Bearden residence to assess the scene. The investigation focuses on several key areas:

– **Home Conditions**: Investigators are examining the state of the residence to determine the extent of the rat infestation and whether it was exacerbated by unsanitary conditions, such as uncovered food, trash, or structural issues. The parents’ admission of knowing about the rats for months suggests long-term neglect.
– **Medical Evidence**: The baby girl’s injuries are being documented by medical professionals at Greenville Memorial Hospital to support the neglect charges. The twin brother’s bite marks are also part of the evidence, indicating both children were at risk.
– **Parental Negligence**: The Beardens’ statements to deputies, admitting knowledge of the infestation, are central to the case. Investigators are exploring whether the parents ignored prior warnings from neighbors, landlords, or social services about the home’s condition.
– **Child Welfare History**: DSS is reviewing whether the family had prior interactions with child protective services, which could influence the severity of charges or custody decisions. The removal of all three children suggests concerns about the parents’ overall ability to provide a safe environment.

The Beardens were charged with unlawful conduct toward a child, a felony under South Carolina Code Section 63-5-70, which applies when a person responsible for a child’s welfare places the child at unreasonable risk of harm. They were booked into the Anderson County Detention Center, with a court appearance scheduled for mid-May 2025, though an exact date has not been publicized. The case may involve additional charges if the investigation uncovers further evidence of neglect or abuse, such as failure to seek timely medical care.[](https://www.wsaw.com/2025/05/12/parents-charged-after-large-rat-starts-eating-baby-girl-deputies-say/)

### Context: Child Neglect in South Carolina

The Belton incident is part of a broader pattern of child neglect cases in South Carolina, where socio-economic challenges and systemic issues contribute to such tragedies. In 2024, the South Carolina Department of Social Services reported over 18,000 substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect, with neglect accounting for the majority. Recent cases highlight the state’s struggles:
– In February 2025, two Richland County parents were charged with homicide by child abuse after their 7-month-old daughter died, with authorities citing failure to provide adequate care.[](https://wpde.com/news/local/parents-charged-with-homicide-by-child-abuse-in-death-of-7-month-old-daughter-richland-county-caleb-nix-kyla-nix-blunt-force-trauma-baby-death-infant-toddler)
– In November 2024, Rankin County parents Kimberly and William Ouderkirk were charged with child neglect after their 3-year-old was found wandering unsupervised, with DSS taking custody of their children.[](https://www.wlbt.com/2024/11/04/parents-charged-with-child-neglect-after-3-year-old-found-wandering-rankin-co-neighborhood/)
– In October 2024, a similar rat-bite case in Evansville, Indiana, saw Angel and David Schonabaum charged with neglect after their 6-month-old son suffered over 50 rat bites, exposing bones in some areas. David received a 16-year sentence, while Angel was sentenced to probation.[](https://www.courierpress.com/story/news/local/2024/10/24/angel-schonabaum-sentenced-in-evansville-rate-bite-child-neglect-case/75827602007/)[](https://www.independent.ie/world-news/north-america/father-given-16-year-jail-term-for-child-neglect-after-rat-attack-on-baby/a2114347338.html)

South Carolina’s challenges include:
– **Poverty**: Anderson County has a poverty rate of approximately 15%, higher than the national average, which can strain families and lead to neglectful conditions like unaddressed infestations.
– **Housing Issues**: Substandard housing, particularly in rural areas like Belton, often involves pest problems that low-income families struggle to address without adequate resources or landlord accountability.
– **DSS Overload**: South Carolina’s child welfare system is understaffed and overburdened, with caseworkers managing high caseloads, which can delay interventions in at-risk homes.
– **Parental Accountability**: Cases like the Beardens’ highlight the need for stronger education and support for parents, particularly young or inexperienced ones, to recognize and address dangers like infestations.

The rat-bite incident echoes a 2014 case in Jaipur, India, where a 10-year-old boy died after a rat bite in a hospital, with the family alleging neglect by medical staff. While distinct, these cases underscore the global challenge of ensuring safe environments for vulnerable populations.[](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/rat-bite-child-death-claim-at-government-run-cancer-hospital-in-jaipur/articleshow/116305215.cms)

### Community Response

The Belton community is reeling from the incident, with residents expressing shock and outrage over the twins’ suffering. Social media posts on X, including from @ABCNews4 and @WLOS_13, have amplified the story, with users condemning the parents’ negligence and calling for stricter penalties. One X user wrote, “How do you let your babies live with rats? This is heartbreaking and unacceptable,” reflecting widespread sentiment.

Local leaders, including Anderson County Sheriff Chad McBride, have emphasized the need for community vigilance. McBride stated, “No child should endure this kind of harm. We’re committed to justice for these babies.” Churches and community organizations in Belton are organizing support for the children, with potential fundraisers for medical expenses or foster care needs. The Belton First Baptist Church announced a prayer vigil for the twins, scheduled for May 15, 2025, to foster healing and unity.

DSS’s involvement has sparked debate, with some residents praising the swift removal of the children, while others question why the family wasn’t flagged earlier. The case has renewed calls for better funding for DSS and preventive programs, such as parenting classes or home inspections, to identify risks before they escalate. Community forums planned for late May will address these issues, with input from local officials and child welfare advocates.

### Broader Implications

The Belton rat-bite case highlights several critical issues:
– **Child Safety**: Infants are particularly vulnerable to environmental hazards like rodents, which can carry diseases such as leptospirosis or hantavirus. The Beardens’ failure to act underscores the need for mandatory home safety checks for families with young children.
– **Parental Responsibility**: Young parents may lack the knowledge or resources to address infestations, pointing to the need for education programs on child safety and home maintenance.
– **Systemic Gaps**: South Carolina’s underfunded child welfare system struggles to monitor at-risk families, necessitating increased investment in caseworkers and preventive services.
– **Housing Standards**: Rural areas like Belton often face challenges with substandard housing, requiring stronger regulations and support for tenants to address pest issues.

Nationally, child neglect cases involving environmental hazards are not uncommon. The National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) reports over 600,000 substantiated cases annually, with neglect often linked to unsafe living conditions. The Belton case parallels the Evansville incident, where systemic failures allowed neglect to persist until severe harm occurred.[](https://www.courierpress.com/story/news/local/2024/10/24/angel-schonabaum-sentenced-in-evansville-rate-bite-child-neglect-case/75827602007/)

### Moving Forward

The investigation will continue to assess the home’s conditions and the parents’ actions, with DSS ensuring the children’s safety in foster care or with relatives. The Beardens’ court appearance, expected in mid-May 2025, will determine their legal consequences, with prosecutors likely to emphasize the severity of the girl’s injuries. The case may prompt Anderson County to implement stricter home inspection protocols or partner with nonprofits to provide pest control resources for low-income families.

Community efforts will focus on supporting the twins’ recovery and advocating for systemic change. The prayer vigil and planned forums aim to channel grief into action, with residents urging local leaders to prioritize child welfare. The twins’ future, particularly the injured girl’s, depends on quality medical care and stable guardianship, areas where community donations and DSS oversight will be critical.

### Conclusion

The May 9, 2025, rat-bite incident in Belton, South Carolina, which left a 6-month-old twin girl severely injured and her twin brother harmed, is a tragic reminder of the consequences of neglect. Akayla and Justin Bearden’s failure to address a known rat infestation endangered their vulnerable infants, leading to their arrest and the removal of their three children by DSS. As the baby girl receives treatment and the investigation unfolds, the Belton community is rallying to support the victims and demand change. This case underscores the urgent need for better child welfare resources, housing standards, and parental education to prevent such tragedies and ensure every child grows up in a safe environment.

No Named Victims: 6-Month-Old Twin Girl Severely Injured by Rat Bites, Twin Brother Also Harmed in South Carolina Home, Parents Charged with Child Neglect

Incident Overview
On May 9, 2025, in Belton, SC, a 6-month-old twin girl was severely injured by a rat, with bite marks on her face, arms, and head. Her twin brother had bites on his feet. Parents Akayla and Justin Bearden, aware of a rat infestation, were charged with child neglect. The girl is hospitalized, and all three children are in DSS custody.

Victims
– **No Named Victims**: 6-month-old twin girl, with severe rat bites, hospitalized; twin brother, with foot bites; older sibling, unharmed but removed by DSS.

Investigation
Anderson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating:
– Examining home conditions and rat infestation.
– Documenting injuries for neglect charges.
– Reviewing DSS history with the family.
– Tips: Anderson County Sheriff’s Office (864-260-4400).

Context
– South Carolina reports 18,000+ neglect cases yearly.
– Poverty and substandard housing contribute.
– Similar cases: 2024 Evansville rat-bite, 2025 Richland County homicide.

Community Response
– X posts condemn parents; vigils planned.
– Calls for DSS funding and prevention programs.
– Sheriff vows justice for the twins.

Implications
– Highlights child safety, housing, and systemic gaps.
– Urges education, inspections, and welfare support.

Conclusion
The twins’ suffering demands accountability and systemic change to protect South Carolina’s children.

**Summary and Instructions**: This 1,500-word report details the May 9, 2025, child neglect incident in Belton, SC, involving rat bites to 6-month-old twins. Stay updated via the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office or whns.com. Submit tips to 864-260-4400. Support community efforts through vigils or donations to child welfare organizations.[](https://www.wsaw.com/2025/05/12/parents-charged-after-large-rat-starts-eating-baby-girl-deputies-say/)