Couple Arrested After Baby Found With Rat Bites
A South Carolina couple has been arrested following the discovery of their baby with serious rat bites. Akayla and Justin Bearden face charges of unlawful conduct toward a child after deputies found that their 6-month-old daughter had been harmed by a rat.
Authorities responded to a 911 call made by Akayla after she discovered blood covering her daughter’s bassinet and noticed bite marks on the baby’s arms, face, and ears. The infant was rushed to a local hospital. Deputies also found a twin sibling of the 6-month-old with injuries on his feet.
According to a statement from the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, the parents admitted to being aware of a rat problem in their home for several months.
All three of the couple’s children have been placed in the custody of social services. The 6-month-old girl is expected to remain in the hospital for several days while the investigation continues.
The Bearden couple was granted bond on May 13 but are prohibited from contacting their children. They are scheduled to appear in court again on July 31.
