Two Women Arrested in Tragic Death of Toddler in Florence

News Summary

In Florence, South Carolina, two women, Ky’Ledja Janissa Holloway and Traquianna Holloway-Wilson, have been arrested following the tragic death of a 2-year-old girl. The girl suffered severe burns allegedly inflicted by Holloway, and despite her injuries, medical help was not sought by the caregiver, leading to the child’s infection and death. The case has sparked outrage in the community, with calls for justice and accountability for the care of vulnerable children.

Florence, South Carolina – Two women have been arrested in connection with the tragic death of a 2-year-old child, prompting a wave of outrage and sorrow in the local community. Ky’Ledja Janissa Holloway, 20, and Traquianna Holloway-Wilson, 29, are facing grave charges linked to the incident that occurred in early January on Bair Court in Florence County.

Holloway has been accused of intentionally inflicting injury upon the child by striking her with hot liquid, resulting in severe second-degree burns on the child’s knees and lower legs. Following this incident, the child was placed in the care of another individual, who has been reported to have failed in seeking necessary medical attention for her.

Despite the evident injuries, the caregiver was allegedly aware of the conditions the child was suffering from but neglected to obtain medical treatment. Approximately two days after the burns were inflicted, the child succumbed to an infection related to her injuries.

On May 6, 2025, law enforcement charged Holloway with inflicting great bodily injury upon a child. Holloway-Wilson faces charges of unlawfully placing a child at risk due to her actions, which reportedly occurred between January 8 and January 10. The prosecution of the case is being handled by the 12th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.

This devastating incident has not only led to the arrest of the two women but also to previous charges against another woman, Patricia Ann Stafford, who was arrested on April 1. Stafford faces charges of unlawful neglect of a child while the victim was under her care. Investigators confirmed that the child was found deceased in Stafford’s residence on January 11, which triggered an investigation conducted by the Florence Police Department, the Florence County Coroner’s Office, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). SLED’s Special Victims’ Unit is known for investigating child deaths that occur under suspicious circumstances.

Investigators revealed through arrest warrants that Holloway’s actions of inflicting the burns occurred around January 8. In contrast, it was indicated that Holloway-Wilson was aware of the child’s burns but did not seek medical assistance. The neglect shown by the caregivers ultimately led to the child’s tragic demise.

The community’s response has been one of shock and sadness as the details of the case continue to unfold. Families in Florence have expressed their outrage over the conditions that led to the child’s injuries and death, with many calling for justice on behalf of the innocent victim. People are seeking to understand how such negligence and violence towards a young child could occur within their community.

Authorities are emphasizing the importance of addressing child welfare and ensuring that children are protected from harm. As the case progresses, many in the community are closely watching the judicial proceedings, hoping for accountability and change in the systems that failed to protect the young child.

As this case moves forward in the courtroom, it will serve as a reminder of the vulnerability of children and the critical need for vigilant care and protection from those entrusted with their wellbeing.

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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier
• WLTX
• WPDE
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Welfare
• WMBF News
• Google Search: Child Neglect Laws