NEW CASTLE, Pennsylvania – A 20-year-old woman from Pennsylvania has been arrested for the murder of her boyfriend’s 1-year-old daughter, following a carefully orchestrated plan. Aleisia Owens has been charged with homicide, attempted homicide, aggravated assault of a child, endangering the welfare of a child, and other related offenses in the death of Iris Alfera, which occurred in June 2023. She has been denied bail.
According to the Office of Attorney General, the child’s death was caused by fatal levels of acetone in her blood, which led to her passing away on June 29, 2023. This horrific event was preceded by a series of incidents in which Iris ingested dangerous items, including water beads, button-shaped batteries, and a metal screw. Investigators discovered that Owens had been conducting extensive online research on the harm that water beads and batteries can cause to children in the months leading up to the child’s death.
Furthermore, Owens used her cell phone to search for information on household products that could cause serious harm or death to a child, including water beads, batteries, and nail polish. New Castle Police Chief Robert Salem highlighted the significance of Owens’ phone searches as crucial evidence in the case against her.
Iris’ mother, Emily Alfera, expressed her profound grief on Facebook, describing her daughter as “the biggest light” in her life. At this time, there is no evidence linking the child’s father, Bailey Jacoby, to the baby’s death.
Attorney General Henry conveyed the heartbreaking nature of the case, emphasizing the deliberate steps taken by the defendant to harm a completely helpless child and the extensive research conducted prior to the alleged actions. The details of this tragic incident continue to unravel as the investigation progresses.