LANCASTER, S.C. — Two people were charged in the death of a child last November in Lancaster.
The sheriff's office said 23-year-old Ramesha Brantley was charged with homicide by child abuse, three counts of unlawful neglect of a child or helpless person, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
De’Yontae Miller, Sr., 25, was charged with three counts of unlawful neglect of a child or helpless person, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
Miller is the father of the victim, 14-month-old De’Yontae Miller, Jr. Brantley is Miller's girlfriend. Two other children lived in the home at the time of the incident.
On November 6, 2018, deputies responded to 989 14th St. on a call about an unresponsive child. The boy was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Investigators said a search of the home revealed no running water and little food. They said over-the-counter and prescription medications, as well as rodent poison, were found in areas accessible to children.
Crack cocaine, marijuana, and two sets of digital scale were also found in the home, according to deputies.
An autopsy revealed the child's cause of death was nonaccidental blunt force trauma of the head, neck, torso, and extremities. The child had fractured ribs and a fractured leg. Some injuries were recent, but others were weeks old, deputies said.
On July 2, 2019, investigators searched a different home occupied by Brantley and Miller to gather more information about the child's death and said they found marijuana and scales.
Sufficient evidence was found to charge the couple in the case, investigators said.
"This has been a difficult investigation for all those involved and certainly a sad and tragic end to the life of this child," said Sheriff Barry Faile.
Miller's bond was set at $90,000. Deputies said he posted it Friday and was released. Brantley was denied bond.
Anyone with more information about this case should call the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office at 803-283-3388.
