A tragic and harrowing incident unfolded early Friday morning when a 6-month-old baby girl was found severely injured after being attacked by a field rat inside her home. The disturbing event has led to the arrest of her parents, who are now facing serious charges in connection to the incident.
The emergency response began when the baby’s mother called 911, reporting that her child was being attacked. Deputies rushed to the home on D and M Drive in Belton, only to find a horrifying scene. Blood covered the bassinet and the infant, who had visible bite marks on multiple parts of her body, including her arms, the back of her head, ears, and face. The severity of the injuries raised immediate concerns, prompting swift action to get the child the medical care she desperately needed.
The baby girl, whose condition is still critical, was immediately transported to Greenville Memorial Hospital for treatment. She is currently recovering, but will remain in the hospital for several more days as doctors continue to monitor her progress.
As the investigation unfolded, the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) began its work, which included questioning the parents, Akayla and Justin Bearden, both aged 24. The parents admitted to having an ongoing problem with field rats inside their single-wide trailer for several months. Despite being fully aware of the rodent issue, they chose not to take adequate action to protect their children, allowing them to continue living in the unsafe and unsanitary conditions.
In addition to the injuries sustained by their baby daughter, investigators discovered that the twin brother of the victim also had bite marks on his feet. This disturbing discovery only added to the growing concerns about the family’s living conditions and their apparent disregard for the safety and well-being of their children.
As a result of their negligence, both Akayla and Justin Bearden have been charged with two counts of Unlawful Conduct towards a Child. The charges highlight the parents’ failure to protect their children from known dangers, putting their lives at risk by continuing to allow them to live in a home infested with rats.
In light of the incident, all three of the Bearden children— including the injured baby girl and her twin brother—have been placed under the custody of the Department of Social Services (DSS) while the investigation continues. The child welfare authorities are now overseeing their care to ensure their safety and well-being going forward.
The case has raised significant questions about the responsibility of parents to provide a safe environment for their children and the consequences of failing to do so. The community is left shaken by the horrific details of this case, as many wonder how the situation was allowed to escalate to such a dangerous point.
As of now, the investigation is ongoing, and further details about the parents’ involvement in the incident will be revealed as law enforcement continues to piece together the full picture of what transpired inside the Bearden home. The primary focus remains on ensuring the child’s recovery and securing the safety of her siblings.
This heartbreaking case serves as a grim reminder of the importance of addressing health and safety issues in the home, particularly when it comes to the protection of vulnerable children. The actions—or inactions—of the parents have forever altered the lives of their young children, leaving an entire community stunned by the tragedy that unfolded in Belton that fateful morning.
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