Coroners Team Up for Better Child Death Investigations

In the Lowcountry of South Carolina, the coroners from Berkeley and Charleston counties are making child death investigations a top priority. Recently, Berkeley County Coroner Darnell Hartwell organized a training session for over 70 attendees from various agencies across the region. This comes after a rise in child deaths, with 129 recorded in Berkeley County alone since 2019. The training aimed to improve collaboration and communication among different departments to ensure thorough investigations. The event featured presentations from state coroner offices, the 9th Circuit Solicitor, Department of Social Services (DSS), and Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) representatives. The consensus was clear: proper investigation, autopsy, and testing are crucial for understanding the causes of child deaths. The goal is to ensure that all involved parties are on the same page during these sensitive cases. Former Charleston County Coroner Rae Wooten, who attended the training, highlighted the progress made since she joined the field in 1996. Back then, coordinating among different agencies was challenging. Now, the team approach has significantly improved, making investigations more effective. Child deaths can be due to illness, accidents, or even crimes. Accurate investigation is key to determining the true cause and preventing similar tragedies. Current Charleston County Coroner Bobbi Jo O’Neal has recorded 42 child deaths in 2024. She emphasized the importance of good investigations, especially for infants under one year old. Many of these deaths are related to safe sleep practices, which can only be identified through thorough investigations. O’Neal’s office distributes educational materials and hosts events at libraries to promote safe sleep habits. O’Neal’s office is also benefiting from a five-year, $1 million grant for child death investigations. This funding allows them to use advanced technology and consult with pediatric specialists to better understand complex cases. Genetic testing is one of the new tools being used to find answers that might not be apparent from an autopsy alone. This not only helps in the current case but also aids in preventing future deaths. The coroners in both counties are committed to continuing these efforts to understand and prevent child deaths. By collaborating and leveraging advanced resources, they aim to protect the most vulnerable members of their communities.