14-05-2025
Parents charged after their twin babies were found being eaten alive by rats
Two South Carolina parents are facing charges after their twin babies were allegedly found being eaten alive by rats in their dingy trailer home.
Akayla and Justin Bearden, both 24, were arrested on Friday after she called 911 saying she discovered their six-month-old baby girl covered in blood.
When deputies with the Anderson County Sheriff's Office arrived, they found the girl and her twin brother both suffering bite marks and cuts caused by rodents.
The girl was found in her bassinet with bite marks on her head, ears, face, arms and back, which were deep enough to draw blood.
She was rushed to Greenville Memorial Hospital near their home in Belton, South Carolina, and deputies said she would remain in hospital for several days.
The baby girl's twin brother was also found with bite marks on his feet, and both infants were taken into the custody of the Department Of Social Services.
When the parents were grilled by deputies, they reportedly admitted that field rats had been a persistent problem inside their home for months, per WHNS.
The Anderson County Sheriff's Office said that a third child was also taken in by the Department Of Social Services, but it was not clear who the child was.
After admitting that they allowed their infant twins to remain in their home despite knowing of the rat problem, Akayla and Justin were both arrested.
They are now facing two counts of unlawful conduct towards a child. Their next bond hearing is due on Tuesday.
