A mother and father from South Carolina stand accused of exposing their children to an unreasonable risk of harm after their 9‑year‑old son died.
Katie Hill Hefner, 40, and Rick Elliott Adkins, 41, now face two counts of unlawful conduct toward a child, according to the Chester County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies launched the investigation on Sept. 20 after responding to a call about an unresponsive child at a home on Lawndale Circle in Fort Lawn, roughly 55 miles north of Columbia.
Paramedics rushed the boy to the hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead.
“During the investigation, hazardous and unsanitary living conditions were discovered within the residence, including animal feces throughout the home and dried human feces on clothing, floors, and walls,” officers reported. “Investigators also identified concerns involving the care and welfare of other children residing in the home. These circumstances were determined to have placed the children at an unreasonable risk of harm to their health and overall safety.”
Deputies say the inquiry into the boy’s death remains ongoing.
An autopsy will determine the cause and manner of the boy’s death, and his name has not been released.
An arrest warrant obtained by The Rock Hill Herald reveals the boy had been vomiting for four days, yet his parents “failed to obtain timely medical attention or treatment.” The warrant also notes that his 12‑year‑old sister has not attended school since 2020 and appears to have developmental and cognitive concerns.
Hefner and Adkins also allegedly “failed to obtain appropriate medical evaluations, routine healthcare, or developmental services.”
The couple was arrested on Friday, taken to the Chester County Jail, and posted $80,000 bonds. Their next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 3.
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