The family of a toddler allegedly killed by her father’s girlfriend may finally see the justice they so desperately seek. Iris Rita Alfera was only 18 months old when she died from fatal levels of acetone in her bloodstream in June 2023. Aleisia Owens, 20, allegedly poisoned the child while the toddler’s father, Bailey Jacoby, was not home.
Owens allegedly killed the toddler after making disturbing Google searches on her phone about household items that could kill a small child. She now sits in a Pennsylvania jail, being held without bond.
More from CafeMom: Mom Says Her Family Was Accidentally ‘Poisoning’ Themselves for Weeks
Owens reportedly lived with Jacoby at the time of the toddler’s death.
According to a criminal complaint obtained by TribLive, Owens and Jacoby lived together in New Castle at the time of Iris’ death. In the months leading up to the fatal poisoning, Iris reportedly ended up in the hospital multiple times for ingesting items such as batteries and water beads.
During the criminal investigation, police allegedly found evidence on Owens’ phone that she had researched the items, including if they could harm or kill a child.
Lawrence County Children and Youth Services reportedly visited the home.
The child’s visit to the hospital prompted an investigation by the agency, according to TribLive. New Castle Police Chief Robert Salem told the news outlet that no charges were filed.
“As far as their findings, it’s hard for me to say,” he said. “I was told they didn’t have any evidence at the time. I’m not blaming CYS. Of course it’s frustrating, the system. I don’t know if someone made an error, but the end result we have now is frustrating.” He added, “Something’s wrong because a young child is dead.”
The child’s father reportedly had visitation rights, not permanent custody.
Per TribLive, Iris’ mother, Emily Alfera, petitioned for primary custody of her daughter after she ended up in the hospital.
“Father’s inability to appropriately supervise the minor child puts the minor child at risk and subject to harm,” a petition obtained by the news outlet read. “Mother believes that it is necessary to suspend father’s periods of partial custody pending an investigation by Children and Youth Services and further hearing on the instant petition.”
A judge did not grant the petition, and Jacoby and his live-in girlfriend continued to have visitation rights up until the night of the fatal poisoning.
An autopsy revealed Iris died from organ failure.
Iris’ organs failed due to a lethal amount of acetone in her system, per WKBN. Acetone is found in nail polish remover. The case saddened Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry.
“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,” Henry said via WKBN. “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.”
Life will never be the same for Iris’ family.
Emily Alfera paid tribute to her daughter on December 2, 2023, on what would have been her second birthday.
“Normally I would have a whole book typed out not knowing when to stop talking but today I’m honestly at a loss for words. My sweet Iris you were with me on the absolute best days of my life and the worst ones,” she wrote. “Smash your face into all of the sweets you want today and every day princess. Run wild up there and give em’ h—, you’re a force to be reckoned with Mommy and the world loves you. Happy second birthday my rissy.”
Owens is charged with criminal homicide, aggravated assault of a child less than six, endangering the welfare of a child, and aggravated assault of a child younger than 13, according to WPXI. She could face life in prison if convicted.
