Aleisia Owens, 20, of New Castle, has been charged with homicide, attempted homicide, aggravated assault of a child, endangering the welfare of a child.
A Pennsylvania woman has been charged with homicide over the death of an 18-month-old baby that authorities say was fed batteries, acetone, and screws.
Aleisia Owens, 20, of New Castle, has been charged with homicide, attempted homicide, aggravated assault of a child, endangering the welfare of a child, and "other offenses regarding conduct leading to the baby's death and other acts of abuse in months prior," according to the New York Post.
Owens allegedly poisoned her boyfriend's baby, Iris Rita Alfera, who died of organ failure on June 29, 2023, after fatal levels of acetone had been found in the child's bloodstream.
An autopsy report revealed that Iris had ingested numerous "water beads," as well as a metal screw and button-shaped batteries in the months leading up to her death, according to Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry's Office.
From February to June 2023, Owens was searching on her phone for "information on household products that could cause a child serious harm or death, including water beads, batteries, and nail polish," police said.
Owens had also searched for "beauty products that are poisonous to kids" and "medications leading to cause accidental poisoning deaths in children."
The baby's father, Bailey Jacoby, had dialed 911 after Owens alerted him that the baby was unresponsive. The child was rushed to the hospital and died of organ failure four days later. Owens was living with Jacoby at the time of the child's death.
New Castle Police Chief Robert Salem called the case "heartbreaking" and explained that Owens's phone records were a "crucial piece of the evidence against her."
"The details of this case are heartbreaking. It is hard to fathom someone taking deliberate steps to harm a completely helpless child, then misled investigators about what happened," AG Henry said in a statement.
"The investigation shows that, for months, the defendant conducted meticulous research on how certain substances harm children. She then allegedly acted on her findings," he added.
Owens was brought into custody without bond at the Lawrence County Jail.
Libby’s Desk
Commentary and must-reads from Libby’s desk, straight to your inbox.
TPM Newsletter
The Post Millennial’s top stories, delivered to your inbox.
