A South Carolina Christian school is at the center of a shocking child abuse case, leading to the arrest of four individuals, including a pastor and daycare workers. Authorities allege a series of disturbing incidents involving the mistreatment of a young child earlier this year.
The Florence County Sheriff’s Office reports that Laurin Boyce, 73, a daycare employee at Maranantha Christian School, is accused of multiple instances of child abuse.
Investigators allege that on January 23, Boyce intentionally harmed a child by slamming their head into a crib, covering their face with a blanket, and pressing down on their head for an extended period. She also allegedly dragged the child out of a room.
Days later, Boyce reportedly assaulted the same child at the playground, first knocking the victim over and then carrying them by the arm and leg before intentionally dropping them on their head from waist height.
Authorities claim that two nursery workers, Jessica Elmore, 33, and Dawn Kirven, 42, were aware of the abuse but did not report it to law enforcement.
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Additionally, Pastor Lee Patrick, 54, who is affiliated with the school, allegedly failed to report the abuse despite being legally obligated to do so. Under South Carolina law, failing to report child abuse is a punishable offense that can result in fines and up to six months in jail.
Boyce was taken into custody and charged with two counts of unlawful conduct toward a child, assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, and additional assault charges.
Elmore and Kirven face charges for failing to report child abuse or neglect, with Elmore facing two counts and Kirven one. Pastor Patrick is charged with both failing to report the abuse and criminal conspiracy.
The victim’s parents, heartbroken over the alleged abuse, urged the judge to deny Boyce bond, emphasizing the severity of her actions. “We are lucky to be standing here with a child we can still hug tonight,” they stated.
Meanwhile, legal representatives for the school expressed disbelief over the arrests, calling the accused “fine people in our community” and standing by their innocence. They stated that they look forward to proving their case in court.
Following the accusations, Boyce reportedly resigned from her position at the school. The case continues to unfold as the community watches closely, awaiting the next steps in the legal proceedings.
