Janette Clayton Charged With Homicide After Infant Death in North Charleston
The 27-year-old mother faces new charges following the June discovery of her 11-month-old daughter, who weighed less than five pounds.
By Emmanuel Obasi ·
Janette Clayton, 27, has been charged with homicide by child abuse in the death of her daughter, Nomai Weathers. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division announced the new charge on Friday, replacing three prior counts of unlawful conduct toward a child. Clayton is accused of failing to provide for the infant during the final months of her life.
Nomai was found dead on June 17 near the front doorway of her family’s apartment in North Charleston. At the time of her death, the 11-month-old weighed 4 pounds and 13 ounces. She was partially wrapped in a blanket and described by officials as emaciated. The apartment was infested with cockroaches and flies, and investigators reported that no food or child care supplies were present.
An autopsy determined that Nomai died from starvation and acute bronchopneumonia resulting from neglect. The medical examiner ruled the manner of death a homicide. Court documents state that Nomai was born prematurely and diagnosed with sickle cell disease, a condition that required regular medical appointments. Clayton allegedly failed to take her daughter to these necessary visits.
The investigation has also affected local law enforcement personnel. Two North Charleston Police Department officers who responded to the apartment in the past have been placed on leave. One officer was subsequently fired and charged with a crime, while the second officer was reinstated to duty.
Clayton remains in custody as the SLED continues to manage the case. The transition from unlawful conduct charges to homicide by child abuse reflects the severity of the findings regarding the infant’s condition at the time of discovery.
