Baby dies after being discovered inside insect-infested apartment, police say

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) — An 11-month-old child died after being found inside an insect-infested apartment in North Charleston, police say.

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

North Charleston police say the child was discovered Wednesday around 1:30 p.m. at an 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.

Clayton was taken to the Al Cannon Detention Center. The investigation remains ongoing.