Toddler dies from poisonising; 1 arrested

Promoted

DailyKenn.com — 18-month-old Iris Rita Alfera died from fatal levels of acetone in her blood in Pennsylvania.

Arrest was Aleisia Owens, 20.

An autopsy showed that Iris had ingested numerous “water beads,” along with button-shaped batteries and a metal screw, months before she died.

Owens was reportedly in a romantic relationship with the victim's father, Bailey Jacoby.

More...

A 20-year-old woman from Pennsylvania, Aleisia Owens, has been accused of fatally poisoning her boyfriend's 18-month-old daughter, Iris Rita Alfera. The disturbing incident involved Owens allegedly feeding the toddler batteries, screws, and nail polish remover. Owens had reportedly researched the harmful effects of these items on a child prior to the tragic event.

The arrest took place on Thursday after an autopsy revealed fatal levels of acetone in Iris' blood. Iris lived with her mother, Emily Alfera, and grandparents, while her father, Bailey Jacoby, had visitation rights. The incident occurred when Jacoby left the house to go to the store, and Owens called him, reporting that something was wrong with Iris.

Upon rushing back home, Jacoby found his daughter unresponsive and called 911. Iris was initially taken to UPMC Jameson Hospital in New Castle, Pa., and later airlifted to UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. Unfortunately, the toddler succumbed to organ failure four days later.

Owens had initially claimed that Iris hit her head after a fall, but the autopsy contradicted this, revealing the ingestion of "water beads," batteries, and a metal screw months before her death. Owens had been actively researching harmful household products and beauty items for several months leading up to the incident.

New Castle Police Chief Robert Salem highlighted the significance of the evidence found on Owens' phone, calling it a "crucial piece." Owens faces charges of homicide, attempted homicide, aggravated assault of a child, endangering the welfare of a child, and other offenses related to the baby's death and prior acts of abuse.

Despite living with Owens for about a year, Jacoby has not been implicated in the child's death. Owens is currently held without bond at Lawrence County Jail. The child's family expressed relief at Owens' arrest, emphasizing that it marks the first step in a long court process.