Pennsylvania toddler allegedly killed by dad’s girlfriend who fed her acetone, batteries, screws

A Pennsylvania woman is accused of fatally poisoning her boyfriend’s 18-month-old daughter by feeding her batteries, screws and nail polish remover after she researched the harmful effects the items could have on a child before the killing.

Aleisia Owens, 20, was arrested Thursday for the suspected homicide of Iris Rita Alfera after an autopsy determined the child died due to fatal levels of acetone in her blood, Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry announced.

Owens had been living with Iris’ father, Bailey Jacoby, when he left the house to go to the store on June 25, 2023.

Jacoby, who had visitation rights with Iris, then received a call from Owens that something was wrong with his daughterHe rushed to the New Castle home to find his baby girl unresponsive and quickly called 911, according to the criminal complaint obtained by WPIX.

Iris was rushed to UPMC Jameson Hospital in New Castle, Pennsylvania, for treatment but she was later airlifted roughly one hour away to UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh.

The toddler died four days later due to organ failure.