Loved ones of the Pennsylvania toddler who was allegedly poisoned by her father’s girlfriend are speaking out and urging parents to be vigilant about their children’s safety.
Earlier this month, prosecutors charged 20-year-old Aleisia Owens with criminal homicide and a raft of other offenses in connection with the June 29, 2023, death of Iris Jacoby-Alfera. As CrimeOnline previously reported, the 1-year-old had lethal levels of acetone in her system, causing her organs to fail.
Investigators say Iris had ingested water beads, batteries and a metal screw in the months leading up to her death. Owens is accused of searching the internet repeatedly for information about how batteries, nail polish and water beads can hurt kids before Iris died.
The searched phrases allegedly included “beauty products that are poisonous to kids” and “medications leading to cause accidental poisoning deaths in children,” according to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.
“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 said in a press release.
“The investigation shows that, for months, the defendant conducted meticulous research on how certain substances harm children. She then allegedly acted on her findings.”
Iris’ great aunt, Crystal Joseph, is now urging parents to be careful about whom they let watch their kids.
“Please let the world know monsters do exist,” Joseph told Newsweek. “And watch for the personality changes in parents when they begin to date. Parents, don’t be so eager to leave your children in the care of a person who shows jealousy or hatred toward the other parent.”
Owens is being held without bail at the Lawrence County Jail.
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[Feature Photo: Iris Jacoby-Alfera/Family Handout]
