Aleisia Owens, a 20-year-old woman from Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, was arrested on January 11, 2024 and charged with criminal homicide in connection with the death of her boyfriend’s 18-month-old daughter, Iris Rita Alfera.
The incident, which occurred in June 2023, has drawn significant attention due to the disturbing nature of the allegations against Owens.
According to the Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry, an autopsy revealed that the infant died from fatal levels of acetone in her blood. Investigators found that prior to the child’s death, Owens had conducted online searches from February to June 2023 concerning the harmful effects of various substances on children, including batteries, screws, and nail polish remover. These searches are believed to be linked to the cause of the child’s death.
The investigation revealed a harrowing sequence of events leading to the tragedy. On June 25, 2023, while Iris’ father, Bailey Jacoby, was away from their New Castle home, Owens allegedly fed the child acetone. A lethal combination of items, including water beads, button-shaped batteries, and a metal screw was found during the autopsy. It is believed that Iris ingested these objects over a period of months.
Following this, Owens reportedly called Jacoby to inform him that something was wrong with his daughter. Jacoby rushed home to find Iris unresponsive and immediately called 911. However, despite these efforts, the child could not be revived and died four days later of organ failure..
Owens faces additional charges, including attempted homicide, aggravated assault of a child, and endangering the welfare of a child. She is currently being held without bail. Jacoby has not been arrested as there is no evidence that he was involved, according to New Castle Police Chief Robert Salem.
Iris lived with her mother, Emily Alfera, and grandparents but Bailey Jacoby had visitation rights. Owens had been living with him for about a year.
