Mother charged with homicide after 11-month-old found dead weighing 4 pounds
Janette Clayton faces a new homicide charge following the death of her daughter, Nomai Weathers, who died of starvation and neglect in a North Charleston apartment.
By Amir Navarro ·
South Carolina authorities have escalated the case of an infant death in North Charleston, moving from initial conduct charges to a formal homicide allegation. The change in legal status reflects the final findings from an autopsy and the state of the home where the child lived.
Janette Clayton, 27, was charged with homicide by child abuse on Friday. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division announced the new count, which replaces three prior charges of unlawful conduct toward a child. Clayton’s daughter, Nomai Weathers, died in June at the age of 11 months.
Medical records indicate Nomai was born prematurely and had sickle cell disease. She required regular medical appointments, which her mother allegedly failed to keep. The infant was discovered on June 17 near the front door of the apartment, partially wrapped in a blanket. At the time of her death, she weighed only 4 pounds and 13 ounces.
Inspectors described the living conditions as deplorable, noting an infestation of cockroaches and flies. Officials stated that no food or child care supplies were found in the unit. The autopsy determined the cause of death was starvation and acute bronchopneumonia resulting from neglect, with the manner of death ruled a homicide.
The incident prompted a review of prior police responses to the address. Two North Charleston Police Department officers who had visited the apartment were placed on leave. One officer was subsequently fired and charged, while the other was reinstated to duty.
