LANCASTER, S.C. — A Lancaster man was sentenced to over 25 years in prison in connection with the death of a 14-month-old baby who died from dehydration and malnutrition.
David Demias White, 30, was sentenced after a seven-day trial in Lancaster County. The child's mother, Shaquanda Page, was sentenced to 27 years in prison in connection with the baby's death.
On Feb. 22, 2021, Lancaster Police responded to a report of an unresponsive baby at a home on Pardue Street. When officers arrived, they found the baby unconscious and not breathing. Efforts to revive the child were unsuccessful. The child was pronounced dead at a hospital later that night.
An in-depth investigation determined the baby died due to dehydration and malnutrition. Investigators also alleged abuse and neglect toward six surviving children who were in the home.
White and Page were charged in May 2021 with one count of homicide by child abuse and six counts each of unlawful conduct toward a child. Page took a plea deal in November 2022 and was sentenced to prison. White elected to stand trial. A jury found him guilty on all charges. He was sentenced to 25 years for homicide by child abuse and 10 years on each of the unlawful neglect charges.
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