A South Carolina couple has been arrested after their 6-month-old daughter was found with severe rat bites, according to the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies charged Akayla Bearden and Justin Bearden with two counts of unlawful conduct toward a child.
Authorities responded to a 911 call where Akayla reported finding her daughter covered in blood in her crib. “A large rat started eating” the infant, the sheriff’s statement alleged. The child suffered bites on her arms, head, ears, and face and was rushed to a hospital. Deputies also found her twin brother with bite marks on his feet.
The Beardens reportedly admitted they had known about a rat problem in the home for months. All three of their children are now in the custody of social services. The injured infant is expected to remain hospitalized for several days.
FOX Carolina reports the couple was granted bond on May 13 and barred from contacting their children. Their next court date is July 31.