(ReliableNews.org) – There’s usually a bit of an adjustment period when a couple begins dating and one of them has children. Sometimes, however, there is ill intent. Pennsylvania police believe one woman decided to kill her boyfriend’s child.
On June 25, 2023, 20-year-old Aleisia Owens reportedly called her boyfriend, Bailey Jacoby, while he was at the store and told him something was wrong with his 18-month-old daughter, Iris Rita Alfera. The terrified father rushed to his home in New Castle and found his daughter unresponsive. He called 911, and emergency responders took the little girl to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Jameson Hospital. Doctors there told police they believed the child’s injuries were the result of child abuse.
Iris was then airlifted to UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. Sadly, doctors couldn’t save her, and she died on June 29.
An autopsy was performed the day after the child passed away. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office determined she died from acetone poisoning. Acetone is found in nail polish remover. The chemical caused organ failure, and her death was ruled a homicide. Owens and Jacoby told police the child had thrown up in the 24 hours before she was taken to the hospital but seemed fine otherwise, according to WPXI.
Detectives carried out an investigation and claim that Owens repeatedly conducted web searches on her phone about household products that could cause death or harm. She allegedly looked up phrases like “medications leading to cause accidental poisoning deaths in children” and “beauty products that are poisonous to kids.” In the months leading up to Iris’ death, the child was taken to the hospital multiple times after swallowing objects that could hurt her. Doctors found a metal screw, 20 water beads, and batteries in her body.
On January 11, Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry announced charges against Owens. She was charged with homicide, attempted homicide, endangering the welfare of a child, aggravated assault of a child, and other criminal offenses.
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