A South Carolina couple has been charged with child neglect after their six-month-old twins were allegedly gnawed on by rats while left in their bassinet at home.
Akayla and Justin Bearden, both 24, were arrested after Akayla called 911 to report that one of their six-month-old twins was bleeding profusely.
When deputies from the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the Belton, South Carolina, residence, they found a shocking scene: the baby girl was covered in blood, with bite wounds to her arms, head, ears, face, and back, per Fox Carolina.
Officers said she had been attacked while lying in her bassinet by what the couple described as a “large rat”, according to WSMV.
The girl’s twin brother was also found with multiple bite marks on his feet. Both children were immediately removed from the home and placed in the custody of the Department of Social Services.
A third child belonging to the couple was also taken by DSS, though details about that child remain unclear.
The baby girl was taken to Greenville Memorial Hospital, where she remained for several days receiving treatment. Deputies said the injuries were severe enough to draw significant blood, especially in the girl’s case.
When questioned by investigators, the Beardens admitted they had known about the rat infestation for months. They claimed that “field rats” had been an ongoing issue inside their trailer but had failed to take action to protect their children from the rodents.
Following their confessions, both Akayla and Justin were charged with two counts each of unlawful conduct towards a child. They have since been barred from having contact with their children unless authorized by DSS.
Each parent was granted bond on Tuesday and is scheduled to return to court for a hearing on July 31.
According to Fox Carolina, police have said the little girl will remain in the hospital for several days as the case remains under investigation.