Pennsylvania Woman Arrested for Allegedly Poisoning Boyfriend's 1-Year-Old Daughter
Jan 17, 11:00 AM
A shocking case has emerged in Pennsylvania, where a 20-year-old woman, Alesia Owens, has been arrested in connection with the tragic death of her boyfriend's 1-year-old daughter, Iris Alfera. Prosecutors have charged Owens with multiple offenses, including criminal homicide, alleging that she poisoned the young girl with household items. Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry made the announcement regarding the arrest.
The incident dates back to June 2023 when emergency responders were called to the home of Iris' father in New Castle, located northeast of Pittsburgh. At that time, Iris lived with her father and Alesia Owens. Responders found the 1-year-old child unresponsive. Iris was immediately transported to a local hospital for medical attention and subsequently airlifted to UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. Tragically, she passed away on June 29, 2023.
The cause of Iris' death was determined through an autopsy conducted by medical examiners. The examination revealed that she succumbed to organ failure caused by acetone poisoning, a devastating revelation.
Disturbingly, investigators from the New Castle Police Department uncovered evidence suggesting that Alesia Owens had researched household products with fatal potential for children in the months leading up to the tragic incident. According to the attorney general's office, Owens conducted numerous online searches between February and June, specifically related to the circumstances of the toddler's death.
These searches allegedly included inquiries about household products that could prove deadly to a child, such as water beads, batteries, and nail polish. Owens' online queries also featured phrases like "beauty products that are poisonous to kids" and "medications leading to accidental poisoning deaths in children."
Furthermore, it has come to light that Iris Alfera had been hospitalized several months before her untimely demise. During this previous hospitalization, she had ingested several harmful objects, including approximately 20 water beads, batteries, and a metal screw. Although Lawrence County Children and Youth Services were alerted following this incident, no charges were initially filed, as reported by the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Currently, Alesia Owens is being held at the Owens County Jail, having been denied bail. The circumstances surrounding this case are undeniably tragic and heart-wrenching, leaving the community in shock. Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry expressed her sentiments, stating, "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."
As this deeply distressing case unfolds, many are left grappling with the unsettling nature of the allegations against Alesia Owens and the profound loss of young Iris Alfera. Prosecutors will continue their efforts to seek justice for the innocent child, and the community watches closely as the legal proceedings progress.
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The incident dates back to June 2023 when emergency responders were called to the home of Iris' father in New Castle, located northeast of Pittsburgh. At that time, Iris lived with her father and Alesia Owens. Responders found the 1-year-old child unresponsive. Iris was immediately transported to a local hospital for medical attention and subsequently airlifted to UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. Tragically, she passed away on June 29, 2023.
The cause of Iris' death was determined through an autopsy conducted by medical examiners. The examination revealed that she succumbed to organ failure caused by acetone poisoning, a devastating revelation.
Disturbingly, investigators from the New Castle Police Department uncovered evidence suggesting that Alesia Owens had researched household products with fatal potential for children in the months leading up to the tragic incident. According to the attorney general's office, Owens conducted numerous online searches between February and June, specifically related to the circumstances of the toddler's death.
These searches allegedly included inquiries about household products that could prove deadly to a child, such as water beads, batteries, and nail polish. Owens' online queries also featured phrases like "beauty products that are poisonous to kids" and "medications leading to accidental poisoning deaths in children."
Furthermore, it has come to light that Iris Alfera had been hospitalized several months before her untimely demise. During this previous hospitalization, she had ingested several harmful objects, including approximately 20 water beads, batteries, and a metal screw. Although Lawrence County Children and Youth Services were alerted following this incident, no charges were initially filed, as reported by the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Currently, Alesia Owens is being held at the Owens County Jail, having been denied bail. The circumstances surrounding this case are undeniably tragic and heart-wrenching, leaving the community in shock. Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry expressed her sentiments, stating, "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."
As this deeply distressing case unfolds, many are left grappling with the unsettling nature of the allegations against Alesia Owens and the profound loss of young Iris Alfera. Prosecutors will continue their efforts to seek justice for the innocent child, and the community watches closely as the legal proceedings progress.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com