Easley, South Carolina – Two people were charged after a two-month-old infant was found unresponsive at an Easley residence, prompting a homicide investigation, authorities said.
According to the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched at approximately 1:11 a.m. Thursday to a home in the 100 block of Bonanza Lane after receiving a 911 call reporting an unresponsive infant.
When deputies arrived, they located the infant and immediately began rendering aid. Emergency medical services arrived shortly afterward and took over medical care. Despite extended lifesaving efforts, officials said the child was later pronounced deceased.
The Pickens County Coroner’s Office, along with detectives from the sheriff’s office Special Victims Unit, responded to the scene to begin an investigation.
Authorities said an autopsy was immediately scheduled, and the infant’s death was ruled a homicide following the examination.
After further investigation, deputies said probable cause was established and arrest warrants were obtained.
Joshua Kyle Smith and Courtney Finch Smith were charged with homicide by child abuse in connection with the infant’s death. Investigators said the child was the two-month-old child of the defendants.
Both suspects were taken into custody Friday, March 13, and are currently being held at the Pickens County Detention Center, according to the sheriff’s office.
Officials said no additional information is being released at this time as the investigation continues.
Authorities emphasized that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The incident has drawn attention in the Easley area, particularly among families and residents concerned about child safety.
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