• Parents charged after rat bites baby in a South Carolina home with a known rodent problem.
• Deputies found twin babies with bite marks and rushed the injured girl to the hospital.
• Authorities removed all three children and placed them in protective custody.

Police in South Carolina arrested two parents after finding their baby girl covered in blood and bite marks. Akayla and Justin Bearden, both 24 years old, now face two counts of unlawful conduct toward a child. The shocking case began when Akayla called 911 from their home in Belton early Friday morning. She told dispatchers her six-month-old daughter was bleeding badly and needed help right away.

Police Found Baby Covered in Blood and Injuries

Deputies rushed to the house after getting the call. They found the baby girl lying in a bassinet soaked in blood. Her arms, ears, face, and the back of her head had bite marks. Police said a large rat had started chewing on the child while she slept. The injuries shocked the officers. They took the baby straight to Greenville Memorial Hospital for emergency care. Doctors said she would need to stay for several days to recover.

Twin Brother Also Suffered Bite Marks on Feet

While checking the home, deputies found the baby’s twin brother. They saw he had bite marks on his feet. That discovery raised even more concern. Officers realized the danger affected both babies, not just one. The parents knew rats had been living in the house for months. But they never removed the rats or moved the children to a safer place.

Parents Knew About Rats and Took No Action

Akayla and Justin told investigators that rats had been a problem for a long time. They admitted they saw field rats in the home regularly. But they still let their babies sleep in the house. Police said the couple failed to protect their children from a known danger. The home was not safe for babies or anyone else. Their lack of action put the children at serious risk.

All Three Children Taken Into State Custody

Authorities removed all three children from the home. Social workers with the Department of Social Services took custody of the twins and another child living there. Officials said they are making sure the children stay safe while the investigation continues. Police and child protection officers are working together on the case. More charges could follow as they gather more evidence.