HARRISBURG — Incriminating web searches have led to a Pennsylvania woman facing charges in relation to the death of her boyfriend’s 18-month-old child, who was fed acetone, batteries and a screw.
Aleisia Owens, 20, is charged with criminal homicide in connection with the death of the toddler, identified as Iris Alfera, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office said in a press release.
On June 25, 2023, Iris was was found unresponsive in the New Castle, Pennsylvania, home of her father, where Owens also lived. The child was then admitted to a hospital in critical condition, and died four days later of organ failure.
Iris Alfera and her Mom. (Credit : GoFundMe)
At the time of Iris’ death, a medical examiner determined that it was “the result of fatal levels of acetone in her blood,” and ruled it a homicide, per the release.
Medical experts concluded that the toddler had ingested the acetone — a common ingredient in nail polish remover — just before her hospitalization.
Prosecutors also alleged that Iris ingested 20 water beads, several “button-shaped batteries” and a metal screw in the months leading up to her death, and that Owens had searched online about the harm that beads and batteries can cause children before the 18-month-old swallowed them.
ACCUSED: Aleisia Owens, 20. (Credit: Lawrence County Jail )
Owens had been researching harmful household products since February, using phrases like “beauty products that are poisonous to kids” and “medications leading to cause accidental poisoning deaths in children,” per the release.
She also searched how to pass a polygraph test, according to documents obtained by Pittsburgh outlet WPXI.
“The details of this case are heartbreaking. It is hard to fathom someone taking deliberate steps to harm a completely helpless child, then mislead investigators about what happened,” Attorney General Michelle Henry wrote in the press release.
Iris Alfera and her Mom.
It went on: “The investigation shows that, for months, the defendant conducted meticulous research on how certain substances harm children. She then allegedly acted on her findings. My office will never stop working to hold individuals accountable who knowingly put the lives of others, especially vulnerable children, at risk.”
Also in the release, New Castle Police Department Chief Robert Salem said that Iris’ death “has brought pain, sadness, and anger to our community.”
“I am extremely proud of the officers, detectives, and agents who were involved in investigating this complex case and arresting the person who was responsible for the child’s death,” Salem added.
In addition to homicide, Owens is facing a slew of other charges including attempted homicide, aggravated assault of a child and endangering the welfare of a child.
It is not immediately clear if Owens has retained an attorney or entered a plea. She was denied bail, according to prosecutors.
A GoFundMe started for Iris’ family back in June has raised at least $17,891.
By LIAM QUINN and BAILEY RICHARDS/People
If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
