‘Severe insect infestation’: Mother arrested after 11-month-old baby found ‘partially wrapped in a blanket’ inside squalid apartment, police say
An 11-month-old baby was found dead inside a squalid apartment plagued by a severe insect infestation in North Charleston, South Carolina, leading to the arrest of the child’s mother on multiple child-related charges, according to police.
The disturbing case came to light on June 17, 2026, when emergency responders were called to an apartment on Eleanor Drive. Upon arrival, officers discovered North Charleston firefighters already performing life-saving measures on the infant. Despite those efforts, the child was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet publicly released the infant’s identity or the official cause of death as the investigation remains ongoing.
Discovery Inside the Apartment
Baby Found Near Front Door
According to the North Charleston Police Department, the infant was discovered partially wrapped in a blanket near the front doorway of the apartment. Emergency crews immediately attempted to save the child, but the efforts were unsuccessful. The tragic discovery prompted a detailed examination of the residence by responding officers.
Mother and Other Family Members Outside
Police said the child’s mother, 27-year-old Janette Clayton, was outside the apartment when officers arrived. She was accompanied by the baby’s paternal grandmother and two other children. Investigators have not publicly disclosed the ages of the other children or their relationship to the deceased infant.
Conditions Inside the Residence Shocked Investigators
Severe Insect Infestation Throughout the Apartment
After securing the scene, officers conducted what police described as a protective sweep of the residence. During that inspection, investigators found alarming living conditions throughout the apartment.
Authorities reported a severe insect infestation that extended throughout the home. Insects were allegedly found inside kitchen drawers and even inside the refrigerator, illustrating the extent of the unsanitary conditions. Police described the apartment as being heavily infested and unsuitable for raising young children.
Lack of Essential Child-Care Supplies
Investigators also reported finding virtually none of the basic necessities expected in a home caring for an infant. According to police, the apartment lacked food and supplies needed for the care of the 11-month-old child.
The absence of infant-care items became a significant factor in the criminal charges filed against the mother. Authorities indicated that the living conditions raised serious concerns about the welfare of all children present in the residence.
Criminal Charges Filed Against the Mother
Three Counts of Unlawful Conduct Toward a Child
Following the investigation, police arrested Janette Clayton and charged her with three counts of unlawful conduct toward a child.
Officials have not yet released additional details regarding the specific circumstances that led to each count, but the charges stem from the conditions discovered inside the apartment and the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death. Clayton was transported to the Al Cannon Detention Center following her arrest.
Investigation Remains Active
Authorities emphasized that the case remains under active investigation. Detectives continue to gather evidence and await additional findings, including results from the infant’s autopsy and other forensic examinations that may help determine exactly what happened inside the apartment.
Previous Police Responses to the Apartment Come Under Scrutiny
Officers Placed on Administrative Leave
As the investigation progressed, North Charleston officials revealed a significant development: police officers had previously responded to the same apartment before the infant’s death.
After learning of those prior contacts, the North Charleston Police Department placed two officers on administrative leave pending further review. Authorities have not publicly detailed the nature of the earlier police responses, but the revelation has prompted questions about whether warning signs may have been missed before the tragedy occurred.
Outside Agency Asked to Investigate
Because of concerns surrounding the prior police involvement, the North Charleston Police Department requested assistance from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Officials stated that an independent and thorough review would help determine whether any procedural failures occurred and whether additional action is necessary.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Questions
The case has generated widespread concern due to the age of the victim and the conditions described by investigators. The combination of an infant’s death, a residence reportedly overrun with insects, and allegations that essential food and child-care supplies were missing has left many questions unanswered.
Investigators are expected to continue reviewing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and examining prior interactions involving the apartment. Additional charges could be possible depending on the outcome of the ongoing investigation and medical findings regarding the infant’s death.
What Happens Next
Janette Clayton remains facing three counts of unlawful conduct toward a child while investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the death of the 11-month-old infant.
Authorities have not announced a final cause or manner of death, and police continue to classify the matter as an open investigation. Further information is expected to emerge as forensic examinations are completed and investigators determine whether additional criminal charges are warranted.
