South Carolina Initiates Review of Justine May Case
State officials are launching a multi-agency review of the case to evaluate the circumstances surrounding the death.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Child Care
The South Carolina Department of Social Services has launched a formal review into the case of Justine May. The process will incorporate independent community partners to evaluate the circumstances surrounding her death.
Why it matters
This review is part of South Carolina's established statutory procedures for child fatalities, ensuring that state agencies and medical experts collectively examine the circumstances. These protocols help authorities identify systemic issues that may have contributed to a tragedy.
The investigation follows established statutory child fatality review procedures, including state-level protocols under S.C. Code Section 63-11-1930 and local protocols under S.C. Code Section 17-5-541. The specific findings of this review remain undetermined.
The players
South Carolina Department of Social Services
The state agency responsible for child protective services and mandated to lead fatality reviews.
State Law Enforcement Division
The agency providing investigative support for the local child fatality review process.
The details
The review process is structured to bring together multiple specialized disciplines to examine the facts of the case. Local protocols mandate participation from law enforcement, the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the county coroner, and child abuse pediatricians. Additionally, the state-level review incorporates input from diverse stakeholders, including medical professionals, prosecutors, state agencies, and legislative members to ensure a thorough evaluation.
Timeline
October 16, 2026: The South Carolina Department of Social Services announced the formal case review.
Health Landscape
This review functions within the framework of S.C. Code Section 63-11-1930, which governs state-level child fatality advisory processes. It aligns with broader state efforts to standardize how agencies and medical experts evaluate child welfare outcomes following a death.
For South Carolina families, this case highlights the state's ongoing commitment to formal fatality reviews when tragic events occur. These reviews are designed to strengthen child welfare protections and identify necessary improvements in local community care systems.
The takeaway
The Justine May case review reflects the state's use of multi-disciplinary teams to investigate child fatalities. Residents can stay informed on how South Carolina updates its child welfare safety protocols by following official releases from the Department of Social Services.
Further reading
Learn more about local standards for Child Care policies and protective oversight in the state.
