Inset, left to right: Kevin C. Clark and Victoria L. Delaune (Charleston County Jail). Background: The area in South Carolina where Clark lived with his now-deceased mother (Google Maps).
A South Carolina man, aged 40, and his 33-year-old girlfriend have been apprehended in relation to the tragic demise of his elderly mother. The couple allegedly neglected the 76-year-old woman, resulting in such severe neglect that an untreated ulcer caused part of her spine to protrude through her skin, ultimately leading to a fatal infection.
On Monday, authorities arrested Kevin Carl Clark and Victoria Lynn Delaune, each charged with felony abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult leading to death. Officials identified the deceased as Dianne Clark.
The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office reported that on July 29, deputies and emergency medical services responded to an incident at a residence on the 2900 block of Otranto Road, following a distress call about the victim, who was found unresponsive.
First responders pronounced the victim dead at the scene. Investigators noted that it was clear Dianne Clark had been deprived of essential medical care and hygiene.
Authorities confirmed that Clark and Delaune were responsible for her care.
A more detailed account of the distressing injuries sustained by Dianne Clark due to the alleged neglect is included in the probable cause affidavit, as reported by local CBS affiliate WCSC.
In the document, authorities said the victim was living in “highly unsanitary conditions” with fecal matter and other bodily fluids covering much of the area, which was also infested by several different kinds of insects. The victim was said to be wearing a severely soiled adult diaper. Numerous bed sores were visible on the victim’s skin and actively infected with live maggots.
The only medication prescribed to the victim had not been filled since September 2024.
The victim was transported to the Medical University of South Carolina in early August for a post-mortem examination.
“An autopsy of the victim’s remains was later conducted at the Medical University of South Carolina, finding that due to the neglect of her hygiene by her caretakers, an exposed wound was contaminated,” the sheriff’s office wrote in the release. “The final autopsy report of the victim indicated that the cause of death was sepsis due to osteomyelitis (infection of bone or bone marrow).”
Specifically, the victim reportedly suffered from a “stage 4 pressure ulcer” in the lower region of her back that created so much pressure it forced her spinal column to protrude through her skin. The abundant fecal matter on and around the victim contaminated the exposed portion of her spine and allegedly caused the deadly infection.
Both suspects were booked into the Charleston County Jail where they are currently being held without bond, records show. They are both scheduled to make their initial appearances in court on Dec. 19.
