Nationwide — Ja’keisa Knox, a 29-year-old African American mother from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, faces a felony child abuse charge after her 9-month-old son died after being left alone at home while she went to work. She found the baby unresponsive after returning and later called 911.
Investigators said Knox left the infant inside their apartment around 8 a.m. before heading to work. She returned about eight hours later, around 4 p.m., and found the child unresponsive.
According to WLBT, emergency responders rushed to the scene after Knox’s 911 call. Paramedics transported the baby to a nearby hospital, where doctors later pronounced him dead.
Medical staff reported concerns after examining the child, noting signs of physical injuries, a severe underweight condition, and malnourishment. Those findings led authorities to involve the Violent Crimes Unit.
During questioning, investigators said Knox identified herself as the child’s sole caregiver. She was later booked into the Tuscaloosa County Jail without bond.
Officials said the investigation is still ongoing. Additional charges may be filed depending on the autopsy results from the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, which could also affect the current charge.