Prosecutors mull death penalty for Aleisia Owens in killing of toddler

Prosecutors acknowledge privately they are “hamstrung” over whether to include the death penalty in the criminal complaint against a Pennsylvania woman charged with murder in the poisoning death of 18-month-old Iris Alfera.

Sources close to the investigation, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to not being authorized to speak publicly on the matter, said “multiple factors” are delaying a final decision.

One factor is that although the death penalty can be a state charge in Pennsylvania, executions have been on a moratorium since 2015.

Former Governor Tom Wolf issued a moratorium on executions in 2015, which current Governor Josh Shapiro has continued

Another factor is the “Sanctity of Life” bill which was introduced last month by Rep. Russ Diamond (R-Lebanon County) and would abolish the death penalty to align with “pro-life” values.

Already, the case against Aleisia Lynnae Owens, 22, of New Castle, is older than the toddler she is accused of killing.

On June 25, 2023, emergency crews were called to the home of Iris Alfera’s father, Jacoby, where he lived with Owens, his girlfriend. That’s where they found the 18-month-old girl “unresponsive.”

Iris was taken to UPMC Jameson Hospital and ultimately flown to UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh where she died on June 29, 2023.

As of today, the case against Owens is one year, nine months and four days old. Longer than Iris Alfera ever lived.

Still, prosecutors say the case; ultimately, is “moving forward.”