Pennsylvania Woman Charged with Murder of Toddler

Aleisia Owens Accused of Fatally Poisoning Boyfriend's 18-Month-Old Daughter Following Online Research on Harmful Substances

Aleisia Owens, 20, of New Castle, Pennsylvania, has been charged with the murder of her boyfriend's 18-month-old daughter, Iris Rita Alfera, who died from fatal levels of acetone in her blood.
Owens is accused of conducting online research on how to harm children with household items, including water beads, batteries, and nail polish, in the months leading up to Iris' death.
Iris was found unresponsive at the home of her father, Bailey Jacoby, and Owens on June 25, 2023, and died four days later from organ failure.
Prior to her death, Iris had been hospitalized after ingesting harmful substances, including about 20 water beads, button-shaped batteries, and a metal screw.
Owens is being held without bond at the Lawrence County Jail and is facing charges including criminal homicide, attempted homicide, aggravated assault of a child, and endangering the welfare of a child.