Pennsylvania Woman Accused of Fatally Poisoning Boyfriend’s Infant Daughter, Forcing Her to Ingest Batteries and Screws

A woman in Pennsylvania has been arrested after she allegedly forced her boyfriend’s 1-year-old daughter to ingest harmful objects for months before fatally poisoning her with acetone, according to authorities.

On June 25, 2023, emergency responders went to the home of Bailey Jacoby, boyfriend of 20-year-old Aleisia Owens, and found his 1-year-old daughter, Iris Alfera, unresponsive, according to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.

The child was transported to the hospital for treatment and then later airlifted to University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Children’s Hospital. Despite treatment, Alfera died on June 29, 2023, officials said.

An autopsy determined the 1-year-old died from a fatal dose of acetone, which officials believe she ingested shortly before her death.

Months earlier, Alfera was reportedly hospitalized after she allegedly swallowed different objects, including 20 water beads, batteries and a metal screw, authorities said.

Officials said from around February 2023 until June 2023, Owens had “conducted web searches on her cellphone related to the actions that ultimately led to the child’s death.” Owens allegedly researched household items that could harm or kill a child, including water beads, batteries and nail polish.

Owens reportedly searched phrases such as “beauty products that are poisonous to kids” and “medications leading to cause accidental poisoning deaths in children.”

Officials said water beads are often used in children’s toys and they can cause serious harm if they are swallowed.

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On Jan. 11, Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry announced that Owens was charged with criminal homicide, attempted homicide, aggravated assault of a child, endangering the welfare of a child and other offenses related to the alleged abuse and death of Alfera.

Owens was booked into jail and remains without bond.