October 30, 2019
FCSO AND FLORENCE CORONER INVESTIGATE INFANT DEATH
SUBJECT: Ashley Nicole Heyward McPherson, age 27, of 3813 Oliver Road, Timmonsville, SC was arrested on October 29, 2019 and charged with six (6) counts of Unlawful Neglect of a Child (S.C. Code Ann. 63-05-070). See FCSO Booking Website for additional information.
NARRATIVE: On October 29, 2019 Investigators with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office arrested Ashley Nicole Heyward McPherson and charged her with six (6) counts of Unlawful Neglect of a Child. According to FCSO Investigators, on or about October 15, 2019 McPherson is alleged to have placed her children at an unreasonable risk of harm impacting their health and personal safety by allowing them to be in a home that was not suitable for living. Investigators noted that the residence contained feces from various animals which were allowed to roam freely in the home; feces was located in the bathtub and toilet in the bathroom; and an immense amount of trash was all about the residence including the bedrooms, kitchen and living room areas. Investigators state that McPherson has been living in the residence for several months.
The conditions under which the children were living came to light when Florence County EMS, Florence County Sheriff’s Office and the Florence County Coroner responded to the residence in reference to the death of McPherson’s 7 month old child. The investigation into the death of the child is ongoing. Florence County Coroner Keith Von Lutcken has ordered an autopsy of the child be conducted. The other children have been taken into protective custody. McPherson is being held at the Florence County Detention Center on a $100,000.00 surety bond.
END
Major Michael M. Nunn
General Counsel/P.I.O.
