An Alabama mother was arrested after her 9-month-old son died when she allegedly left him home alone for several hours as she went to work.
Ja’Keisa Knox was arrested on Tuesday, June 30, and was taken into custody at the Tuscaloosa County Jail.
On the same day as her arrest, Knox, 29, called police at 4 p.m. to report that she found her baby unresponsive, the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to Us Weekly. Police investigated the situation and learned that Knox had just returned home from work at the time she called, and she allegedly left the baby home alone for several hours.
Knox reportedly told deputies that she left her apartment that morning at 8 a.m., which led officers to believe that the child was alone in the home for a total of eight hours. Police added that Knox confirmed she was the sole guardian of the baby and she had not arranged for anyone to take care of him while she was gone.
“She claimed she attempted to get the family to go by and check on this child. That’s still under investigation,” Tuscaloosa County Violent Crimes Unit Captain Jack Kennedy told WBRC.
Medical personnel who treated the child reported he had numerous physical injuries, was extremely underweight, and showed signs of malnourishment. Those findings prompted a call to the VCU to investigate.
After police reported to the home, the baby was brought to DCH Regional Medical Center and he was later pronounced dead, according to Tuscaloosa News.
Medical staff told police that the boy had several injuries when he was brought into the hospital, while he was also malnourished and underweight. Authorities then called the sheriff’s Violent Crimes Unit, which is involved in the investigation into the baby’s death.
Knox was arrested and charged with child abuse. However, authorities said that she may be hit with additional charges once authorities learn more about the baby’s death from the autopsy results.
“Based on the injuries and symptoms of malnourishment, and the fact the mother would frequently work and leave her child home alone, after consulting the District Attorney’s office, we believe we have probable cause for child abuse,” Kennedy said.
She is currently being held at the Tuscaloosa County Jail without bond, and it’s not yet known when she’s expected to appear in court regarding the charge.
It is not currently clear if Knox has entered a plea or trained legal counsel following her arrest. The Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office had no additional updates to share in the case when contacted by Us.
If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
