Parents arrested for failing to assist son who died
14 october 2026 в 10:02
In South Carolina, parents have been arrested on charges of neglecting their children following the death of their nine-year-old son. Kathy Hill Hefner and Rick Elliott Adkins are facing two counts of unlawful conduct toward a child, according to the Chester County Sheriff’s Office.
The arrest occurred after law enforcement responded to a report that the boy was unresponsive at a home in Fort Lawn on September 20. The child was taken to a medical center, where he was pronounced dead. According to the investigation, Hefner and Adkins failed to provide timely medical attention for the boy, who had been suffering from diarrhea and vomiting for four days prior to his death.
During the investigation, «dangerous and unsanitary living conditions» were discovered in the home, including animal feces and dried human feces on clothing, floors, and walls. The cause of the boy’s death has not yet been determined, and autopsy results are pending.
The investigation has also raised concerns about other children living with the boy. It has been established that the conditions they were in posed an unjustifiable risk to their health and safety. The arrest documents mention that the boy’s 12-year-old sister, who has not attended school for six years, has «obvious developmental issues and cognitive impairments».
While the couple has not been directly charged in connection with their son’s death, the investigation is ongoing. It is unclear whether Hefner or Adkins have attorneys. The Chester County Sheriff has expressed a commitment to thoroughly investigating allegations of child abuse and neglect.
The arrest occurred after law enforcement responded to a report that the boy was unresponsive at a home in Fort Lawn on September 20. The child was taken to a medical center, where he was pronounced dead. According to the investigation, Hefner and Adkins failed to provide timely medical attention for the boy, who had been suffering from diarrhea and vomiting for four days prior to his death.
During the investigation, «dangerous and unsanitary living conditions» were discovered in the home, including animal feces and dried human feces on clothing, floors, and walls. The cause of the boy’s death has not yet been determined, and autopsy results are pending.
The investigation has also raised concerns about other children living with the boy. It has been established that the conditions they were in posed an unjustifiable risk to their health and safety. The arrest documents mention that the boy’s 12-year-old sister, who has not attended school for six years, has «obvious developmental issues and cognitive impairments».
While the couple has not been directly charged in connection with their son’s death, the investigation is ongoing. It is unclear whether Hefner or Adkins have attorneys. The Chester County Sheriff has expressed a commitment to thoroughly investigating allegations of child abuse and neglect.
© Puhova Marina
