Front-Yard Confrontation Exposes Abuse
A domestic disturbance call in North Charleston led police to discover child abuse and deplorable living conditions at a home on Bailey Drive, according to local police reports. North Charleston Police Department officers responded to the 2300 block of Bailey Drive on Saturday just before 11 a.m., where they found 34-year-old Keziah Daisy Tamesha Hines in the front yard with a young boy, shouting at a female juvenile.
The responding officer observed visible injuries on the young girl, including scratches and blood on her face and nose. Investigators learned the dispute began when Hines allegedly took the juvenile’s Halloween costume and broke parts of it. In response, the child admitted to damaging some of Hines’ belongings, which escalated the confrontation into a physical assault.
Juvenile and Pregnant Suspect Clash During Fight
According to the juvenile, Hines struck her repeatedly, bit two of her fingers, and dragged her through the residence by her hair. Hines, who is approximately six months pregnant, told officers that the child had struck her multiple times in the stomach during the altercation.
Officers Discover Severe Neglect Inside Powerless Home
Following the initial confrontation, the juvenile led officers inside the house. Authorities reported finding unsanitary living conditions, characterized by a strong odor of rotting food, scattered clothing, trash, and old chicken bones across the floors. The child stated the home had no electricity.
Upon conducting a more thorough walkthrough of the house, law enforcement discovered insect-infested, rotting food on the kitchen counters, unwashed dishes crawling with bugs, a barren refrigerator, and more spoiled provisions kept inside the cupboards. Officers also noted widespread hair throughout the home that the juvenile identified as coming from her head.
Authorities Arrest Suspect and Place Children in Custody
The Department of Social Services was notified, and the children were placed into protective custody. Hines was arrested, charged with Unlawful Conduct Toward a Child, and transported to the Al Cannon Detention Center.
