Oconee County Child Death Leads to Charges of Unlawful Conduct

Tragic Incident in Oconee County: Charges Filed

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has charged Joshua Emanuel Lamar Latimer, 30, and Destiny Shay Dionne, 24, with unlawful conduct toward a child following an investigation into the death of a four-year-old boy in Oconee County. Both individuals are currently in custody at the Oconee County Detention Center with bonds set at $20,000.

Investigation Underway

The charges come after emergency services responded to a home on Forest Acres Circle near Walhalla early on September 19, 2025, due to a cardiac arrest incident involving the young child. Upon arrival, they called the Oconee County Coroner’s Office, indicating the severity of the situation. An autopsy is scheduled to determine the precise cause of death, and the SLED's Special Victims Unit, alongside the Sheriff’s Office and Coroner’s Office, is leading the investigation.

Legal Ramifications and Future Proceedings

Latimer and Dionne face serious allegations, as placing the two children, aged two and four, at unreasonable risk of harm reflects not only on their responsibilities as guardians but also sheds light on broader societal issues regarding child welfare and safety. As the investigation progresses, further details are expected to emerge, particularly following the autopsy results, which may influence the legal proceedings ahead.

What's Next?

If released, the accused will be required to wear GPS monitors, emphasizing the serious nature of the charges. Community members are urged to stay informed as further developments unfold in this distressing case that highlights the ongoing challenges surrounding child safety within home environments.