DSS Comment on Justine May Case

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: DSS Office of Communications and External Affairs
803-898-7602
publicinfo@dss.sc.gov

DSS Comment on Justine May Case

October 16, 2026- DSS has received several inquiries regarding a potential review of the facts and circumstances in the Justine May case.

In accordance with established case review protocols, the Department of Social Services (DSS) will be conducting a review in conjunction with independent community partners and stakeholders pursuant to statutory child fatality review processes, both at the local and state level, as described in the South Carolina Code of Laws including:

A Local Child Fatality Review as prescribed in S.C. Code Section 17-5-541.  The Local Child Fatality Review also includes participation by other relevant entities, including local law enforcement, SLED, the county coroner, a child abuse pediatrician, DSS and other stakeholders.

Additionally, DSS will conduct a review in conjunction with other agencies and stakeholders that are part of the State Child Fatality Advisory Committee as outlined in S.C. Code section 63-11-1930.  That Committee and review process is coordinated with the Department of Child Fatalities at SLED, and includes stakeholders as defined in state law including DSS, other state agencies, medical and child abuse professionals, prosecutors, as well as members of the General Assembly and public members appointed by the Governor.

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