Authorities with the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General have announced charges against a Lawrence County woman following an investigation into the death of a 1-year-old girl.

Officials say Aleisia Owens, 20, was arrested Thursday and charged with criminal homicide and abuse related offenses in connection to the poisoning death of her boyfriend's daughter in June.

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,” said Attorney General Michelle Henry. “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.

Authorities say on June 25, first responders were called to a home in New Castle after 1-year-old Iris Alfera was found unresponsive.

Police say the girl was then transported to UPMC Jameson Hospital, before being flown to UPMC Children's Hospital, where she later passed away, on June 29.

Investigators say an autopsy revealed that the child had fatal levels of acetone in her system at the time of her death.

Upon further investigation, police say they learned that Owens had reportedly conducted numerous online searches for “beauty products that are poisonous to kids” and “medications leading to cause accidental poisoning deaths in children.”

Authorities also learned that months before the toddler's death, she was hospitalized for reportedly ingesting multiple, harmful objects including "20 water beads, batteries, and a metal screw."

“The death of Iris Alfera has brought pain, sadness, and anger to our community. The New Castle City Police Department has worked tirelessly on this case with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General to bring the person responsible to justice,” New Castle Police Department Chief Robert Salem said. “I am extremely proud of the officers, detectives, and agents who were involved in investigating this complex case and arresting the person who was responsible for the child’s death.”

Owens is being jailed and her bail was denied.

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