NCPD: Officers on leave after baby found dead inside insect-infested apartment

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) — Two North Charleston Police Department officers have been placed on administrative leave after an 11-month-old baby was found dead inside an insect-infested apartment, the lieutenant has confirmed.

The infant’s mother, Janette Clayton, 27, has been arrested and charged with three counts of unlawful conduct toward a child.

Thursday afternoon, Lieutenant Anthony J. King stated that it has been discovered that officers had previously responded to the very apartment where the baby died.

Authorities say the child was discovered Wednesday around 1:30 p.m. at the apartment on Eleanor Drive.

When police arrived, North Charleston firefighters were performing life-saving measures on the infant, who, police say, was found “partially wrapped in a blanket near the front doorway.”

The child was pronounced dead at the scene.

Clayton was outside the home with the baby’s paternal grandmother and two other children when officers arrived.

A protective sweep of the apartment revealed a lack of items necessary for child care, police said.

No food or child-care supplies were inside.

Authorities also found a “severe insect infestation” throughout the apartment, including the refrigerator and drawers.

The two officers who previously responded to the apartment, King said, have been placed on administrative leave.

“NCPD is committed to maintaining the highest standards of conduct and accountability,” King said.

Because of these developments, the NCPD has requested the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division to conduct ”a thorough investigation into the case.”

The child’s mother was taken to the Al Cannon Detention Center.