Two Greenville County Children Hospitalized in Critical Condition After ‘Extreme’ Neglect Case
MAULDIN, S.C. — Police in Greenville County have arrested two parents after discovering what they described as one of the most horrific cases of child neglect they’ve ever encountered. A 3-year-old girl and her 1-year-old brother were found in critical condition inside a Mauldin home Sunday afternoon, both suffering from severe malnourishment and open wounds caused by neglect.
Children Found Unresponsive in Disturbing Conditions
According to the Mauldin Police Department, officers responded to a cardiac arrest call at around 1:14 p.m. on Cranberry Hill Circle, where a 3-year-old child was found unresponsive and without a pulse. When officers entered the home, they discovered the girl and her younger brother in what police called “extremely unsanitary” living conditions. Investigators reported an overwhelming smell of uncleaned human excrement throughout the residence and visible injuries on both children indicating long-term neglect.
First responders managed to restore a pulse for the 3-year-old, and both children were rushed to the hospital. As of the latest update, they remain in critical condition, and officials have not confirmed whether they are expected to recover.
Parents Arrested and Charged
Authorities identified the children’s biological parents as 22-year-old Ryan Addison Vassallo and 23-year-old Demarion Jaquez Estez Sloan. Both have been charged with two counts of unlawful conduct toward a child and are currently being held at the Greenville County Detention Center on $200,000 bond each.
Police said the children lived primarily with Sloan, while Vassallo reportedly visited them twice a month. Vassallo lived separately in Mauldin with a third child, who has since been removed from her custody and placed under the care of the Department of Social Services (DSS).
Officials Call Case Among the Worst They’ve Seen
Officers described the situation as “one of the most extreme cases of neglect” in recent memory. Investigators believe the abuse and lack of care continued for an extended period of time, causing irreversible harm to both children. “The conditions these children were found in are beyond unacceptable,” one officer stated.
Both children are now under DSS protection while medical staff continue fighting to stabilize them.
The Saluda Standard-Sentinel urges readers to support local child protection initiatives and to report any suspected neglect or abuse to South Carolina’s 24-hour child abuse hotline. Visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com to share your thoughts and learn how communities can help protect vulnerable children.
