‘Similar to Starving Children in Africa’: South Carolina Boy, 4, Dies Weighing Just 21 Pounds After Being Forced to Drink From Toilet and Sleep in Closet
WALHALLA, SOUTH CAROLINA — A 4-year-old boy from South Carolina suffered horrific abuse before dying of extreme malnutrition, with investigators describing his appearance as “similar to starving children in Africa.”
Authorities say Joshua Emanuel Lamar Latimer, 30 — a former state trooper — and his girlfriend, Destiny Shay Dionne, 24, were charged with homicide by child abuse and unlawful conduct toward a child following the death of Isaiah Dionne in September 2025.
Both suspects remain held without bond in the Oconee County Jail, according to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
Investigators Describe a Scene of Starvation and Neglect
Deputies were called to a home on Forest Acres Circle in Walhalla, about 45 miles west of Greenville, after receiving a report of an unresponsive child. Inside, officers found Isaiah’s body — emaciated, weighing just 21 pounds, with sunken eyes and visible ribs, authorities said.
“He was basically skin and bones,” said Tenth Circuit Solicitor Micah Black during Dionne’s bond hearing, according to WHNS. “One of the EMS personnel described it as something you’d see on TV — starving children in Africa.”
Prosecutors allege Isaiah was forced to sleep on a blanket instead of a bed, while the windows in his room were stapled shut. Investigators also believe the child was locked in a closet for extended periods and forced to drink water from the toilet.
Mother and Stepdad Allegedly Treated Him Differently Than Sibling
Police say Isaiah’s suffering appeared to have worsened after he moved in with his mother and Latimer. For the first two years of his life, Isaiah lived with his maternal grandmother, who reportedly provided adequate care.
After moving into his mother’s home, however, Isaiah was allegedly neglected and isolated. Authorities said his younger sibling appeared healthy, suggesting Isaiah was targeted for abuse.
The investigation also revealed that Isaiah hadn’t seen a doctor in two years.
Neighbors Tried to Help — and Noticed Signs of Abuse
Neighbors told investigators that when they occasionally brought food to the home, Isaiah would eat adult-sized portions, which raised concern. However, they had no idea of the abuse occurring behind closed doors.
Latimer, who worked for the South Carolina Highway Patrol, was fired following his arrest. Both he and Dionne face sentences ranging from 20 years to life in prison if convicted.
Community in Shock as Case Unfolds
During her court appearance, Dionne appeared in an orange jail uniform and was denied bond. Prosecutors called the evidence overwhelming and the details “among the most disturbing” they had seen in a child abuse case.
“This child lived in unimaginable conditions,” one investigator said. “The level of neglect was absolute torture.”
Isaiah’s obituary described him as “the most beautiful baby boy.”
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, contact the South Carolina Department of Social Services Child Abuse Hotline at 1-888-CARE4US (1-888-227-3487) or visit dss.sc.gov.
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