Belton, South Carolina — May 12, 2025 — A heartbreaking case of child neglect has rocked the small town of Belton, South Carolina, after Akayla and Justin Bearden, both 24, were arrested and charged with two counts of unlawful conduct toward a child. The couple’s 6-month-old twin daughter was found with severe rat bite wounds in their single-wide mobile home, leading to public outrage and raising urgent questions about the safety of children in environments plagued by neglect.

The nightmare began when Akayla Bearden called 911, reporting that one of her infants was “covered in blood.” Upon arrival, deputies from the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office discovered the baby girl in her bassinet, soaked in blood, with multiple bite marks across her face, ears, arms, and head. Her twin brother was also found to have bite marks on his feet. The Bearden parents admitted to being aware of a severe field rat infestation in their home for several months but failed to take the necessary steps to address the issue, despite the obvious dangers to their children.

The baby girl was immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment, and all three children were placed under the custody of the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS). The parents now face charges of child neglect and are scheduled to appear in court soon. This tragic event has raised significant concerns about child welfare, the responsibility of parents, and the role of local authorities in preventing such horrific incidents.

The Discovery of the Horrific Injuries

The events of that morning began with a frantic call from Akayla Bearden to 911, reporting that one of her babies was “covered in blood.” The urgency in her voice was palpable, signaling the gravity of the situation. Upon arrival at the Bearden residence on the outskirts of Belton, deputies were confronted with a chilling scene. The baby girl, who was just 6 months old, had suffered severe rat bites across several parts of her body. These injuries included multiple puncture wounds on her face, ears, arms, and head.

In addition to the visible wounds on the girl, her twin brother, who was also 6 months old, was found to have bite marks on his feet. The rats had apparently been gnawing on the infants as they slept in their cribs. The discovery was both horrific and heartbreaking, as it was clear that the children had been exposed to a dangerous environment for an extended period without any intervention from their parents.

The deputies immediately called for medical support, and the baby girl was rushed to the hospital for treatment. Her injuries, though not life-threatening, required immediate care. Doctors noted that the severity of the wounds could lead to potential infections if not properly treated, and the child would need to remain in the hospital for further monitoring. Fortunately, the baby boy’s injuries were less severe, but he too required medical attention.

The parents were questioned by law enforcement, and during their statements, they admitted to knowing about the presence of rats in their home for several months. The couple acknowledged that they had seen signs of the infestation but had failed to take any action to address the problem or remove the rats from the home.

The Rat Infestation: A Growing Problem

The Bearden family’s home, a single-wide mobile home in Belton, South Carolina, had been overrun by a rat infestation. Rats are common pests in many areas, particularly in low-income neighborhoods or homes that are not properly maintained. They are notorious for being carriers of diseases such as leptospirosis, salmonella, and hantavirus, all of which pose serious health risks, particularly to infants and children. The fact that the Bearden family allowed their children to remain in an environment where rats were known to be active is a disturbing indication of neglect.

Experts in pest control and public health agree that infestations of rats and other rodents are not just a nuisance but a significant health hazard. Rats, in particular, are capable of chewing through walls, furniture, and even electrical wiring, creating a dangerous living environment. But beyond the physical damage they cause, rats also pose a serious risk to human health. Their urine, feces, and saliva can contaminate food and water sources, leading to the spread of diseases that can be fatal if not properly addressed.

In this case, the Bearden parents were fully aware of the rat problem. Despite acknowledging the infestation, they failed to take action to resolve the issue. Experts believe that this negligence was the root cause of the injuries suffered by their children. The rats, likely drawn to the warmth and safety of the infants’ cribs, had free access to the children for an unknown period of time, gnawing on their vulnerable bodies while they slept.

The Role of Child Protection Services

As the investigation into the incident progressed, South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) stepped in to assess the safety and well-being of the Bearden children. In cases like this, child protection agencies are tasked with ensuring that children are not exposed to further harm and that appropriate measures are taken to safeguard their future.

After confirming the severity of the injuries and the circumstances that led to the rat bites, DSS made the decision to remove all three children from the Bearden household. The baby girl, who was hospitalized for her injuries, and her twin brother, along with their older sibling, were placed in protective custody. DSS officials explained that the children would be evaluated further and placed in a safer, more secure environment until a permanent solution could be found.

The Bearden parents were also made aware of the legal ramifications of their actions. The charges of child neglect stem from their failure to provide a safe and healthy living environment for their children. Child neglect is a serious offense in South Carolina, and the Bearden couple faces the possibility of losing parental rights, as well as jail time, if convicted.

Child Neglect: The Legal Implications

Child neglect is defined as the failure of a parent or guardian to provide for the basic needs of a child, including food, shelter, medical care, and safety. In South Carolina, child neglect laws are strict, and those found guilty of neglect can face severe penalties, including imprisonment, loss of custody, and mandatory counseling or parenting classes.

In the Bearden case, the parents’ decision to leave their children exposed to a known rat infestation directly led to the injuries sustained by their twins. Their actions, or lack thereof, have left the community shocked and outraged. The legal system will determine the appropriate consequences for their neglect, with a focus on ensuring that the children are not returned to an unsafe environment.

The charges against Akayla and Justin Bearden carry significant weight. If convicted, the couple could face several years in prison, as well as a permanent loss of custody of their children. The case has already drawn attention from child advocacy groups and the public, who are calling for tougher laws and greater enforcement to protect children from similar neglectful situations.

Community Response and Public Outrage

The news of the Bearden family’s case has sparked outrage throughout the Belton community. Neighbors and local residents have expressed their shock and disbelief that such an incident could occur in their town. Many are asking how the situation was allowed to escalate to such a degree without intervention from local authorities or community organizations.

Some have raised concerns about the lack of adequate resources for low-income families, which can sometimes lead to situations where children are exposed to unsafe living conditions. Advocates for children’s rights are calling for more accessible resources for families dealing with pest infestations, mental health issues, and financial strain. The goal is to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future by offering support and assistance before the situation becomes dangerous.

Local authorities have responded to the incident by vowing to increase awareness of child neglect and improve intervention strategies. Police and social services have been working together to ensure that children in the community are protected from harm and that families are given the resources they need to provide safe and healthy homes for their children.

The Psychological and Emotional Impact on the Children

While the physical injuries sustained by the Bearden twins are heartbreaking, the emotional and psychological toll of this event is just as significant. Children who experience neglect or abuse can suffer long-term effects on their emotional and mental health. In cases where children are exposed to a traumatic event, such as being bitten by rats or witnessing violence, the psychological consequences can affect their behavior, development, and future relationships.

The twins, who are only 6 months old, may not fully understand what happened to them, but they will undoubtedly feel the effects of this traumatic experience as they grow older. Early intervention through therapy, support services, and a stable, loving environment will be crucial to their emotional recovery.

Preventing Future Cases of Child Neglect

The tragic case of Akayla and Justin Bearden highlights the urgent need for greater awareness and prevention efforts when it comes to child neglect. It is essential that communities, schools, and local governments work together to provide support for families who are struggling with difficult living conditions, mental health issues, and other challenges. Early intervention is key to preventing situations like the Bearden case from escalating into a crisis.

In addition, laws surrounding child welfare need to be continually updated and enforced, ensuring that parents who neglect their children face appropriate consequences. The goal is to protect vulnerable children and provide them with the opportunities and care they need to thrive.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Child Welfare in South Carolina

The tragic case of Akayla and Justin Bearden is a stark reminder of the importance of providing a safe and healthy environment for children. It underscores the devastating effects that neglect can have on young lives and the necessity for stronger child protection measures. As the Bearden parents await trial, the community and authorities must work together to ensure that this tragedy leads to meaningful changes in how child neglect is addressed.

For the twins, there is hope for healing, but their road to recovery will be long. The best way to honor the lives of these young children is by ensuring that no other child has to endure such neglect or suffering in the future.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or child welfare issues, help is available. Reach out to local child protection services, mental health counselors, or support hotlines for guidance and assistance. Together, we can work to ensure the safety and well-being of all children in our communities.