SC S0405

Raises the age of victims covered under South Carolina's homicide by child abuse statute from under 11 years old to under 18 years old.

Applies to cases where death occurs during child abuse or neglect under circumstances showing extreme indifference to human life, or where a person knowingly aids and abets child abuse resulting in death.

Maintains existing felony penalties: up to life imprisonment (minimum 20 years) for direct offenders, and 10-20 years for those who aid and abet.

Requires judges to consider aggravating circumstances including past patterns of child abuse or neglect when sentencing, while specifying that a child's crying cannot be considered a mitigating circumstance.