A six-week-old girl died from head trauma on March 16, 2023, in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Her father, Emmanuel Folk, was charged with homicide by child abuse, while her mother, Keasia Harrison, was charged with unlawful conduct towards a child. Investigators found a large amount of garbage and a roach infestation at the family's apartment. The couple's two older children were taken into state custody by the State Department of Public Safety.
Contexts/Conditions
Is there any mention of child drug ingestion or overdose?
Is there any mention of a drowning incident (either intentional or accidental)?
Is there any mention of a firearm incident?
Is there any mention of inappropriate supervision (e.g., child wandered off and drowned)?
Is there any mention of inflicted injury? (e.g. slapped, punched, kicked, choked)
The news article states "the infant died from head trauma" and the father is charged with "homicide by child abuse." The combination of fatal head trauma in a six-week-old infant and a homicide-by-child-abuse charge strongly implies inflicted injury, though no specific mechanism (e.g., punching, shaking) is described.
Is there any mention of malnutrition, starvation, or dehydration?
Is there any mention of medical neglect?
Is there any mention of a motor vehicle crash or incident?
Is there any mention of a murder-suicide incident?
Is there any mention of outdoor elements (including hot car deaths)?
Is there any mention of prenatal substance exposure (including fetal alcohol syndrome or neonatal abstinence syndrome)?
Is there any mention of sexual abuse?
Is there any specific mention of shaken baby or abusive head trauma?
The article states "the infant died from head trauma" in the context of a "homicide by child abuse" charge against the father. Head trauma causing death in a six-week-old infant charged as child abuse homicide implies abusive head trauma, though the specific terms "shaken baby" or "abusive head trauma" are not used.
Is there any mention of prolonged abuse or torture (including restraints, captivity)?
Is there any mention of an unsafe sleeping environment?
Individuals Involved
Was an adoptive parent or guardian involved in the death?
Was a biological father involved in the death?
The article identifies Emmanuel Folk as the child's father: "An Orangeburg father is behind bars after the death of his six-week-old daughter. Emmanuel Folk is charged with homicide by child abuse."
Was a biological mother involved in the death?
The article states "the baby's mother, Keasia Harrison is charged for unlawful conduct towards a child." While her charge is not for the homicide itself, she is charged in connection with the circumstances surrounding the child's death, indicating involvement.
Was a day care worker, babysitter, or nanny involved in the death?
Was a female paramour or friend involved in the death (e.g., girlfriend, stepmother)?
Was a foster parent involved in the death?
Was a male paramour or friend involved in the death (e.g., boyfriend, stepfather)?
Was another adult relative involved in the death? (e.g., grandfather, aunt)
Was a sibling involved in the death?
Child Characteristics
Was the child adopted?
Was the child homeschooled (including "cyberschooling") or taken out of school?
Was the child in foster care at the time of the incident?
Was the child living with relatives at the time of the incident (but not parents)?
Is there any mention of a neurological developmental child disability? (e.g., autism, intellectual disability, nonverbal)
Is there any mention of a physical child disability? (e.g., feeding tube)
Is there any mention of prematurity or low birthweight?
Is there a history of child protection reports prior to death (for this child or siblings)?
Does the child have a history of foster care (but not in care at time of incident)?
Is there a history of a sibling death (separate incident from this death)?
Parent/Caregiver Factors
Was an adult charged or arrested for the child's death?
The article states "Emmanuel Folk is charged with homicide by child abuse" and "the baby's mother, Keasia Harrison is charged for unlawful conduct towards a child." Both parents were charged in connection with the child's death.
Is domestic violence by the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is there any mention that the death occurred in a temporary shelter or while homeless?
Is an intellectual disability of the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is the mental health of the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is a history of arrests or criminal charges for the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is substance use by the parent/caregiver referenced?
Notable Details
The article notes that investigators "found a large amount of garbage and an infestation of roaches at the apartment they lived in," and that "The State Department of Public Safety took custody of the couple's two older kids." These details about unsanitary living conditions and the removal of surviving siblings provide important context about the home environment and the broader scope of the case beyond the fatal head trauma.
These fields were populated by an AI model and may contain inaccuracies. Review the links and PDFs provided for verification before citing. Contact [email protected] to report any inaccuracies where corrections are needed.