Investigators said the 9-month-old was left alone for about eight hours before he was found unresponsive.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — A 29-year-old Alabama woman has been charged with felony child abuse after authorities said her 9-month-old son died after being left home alone for about eight hours.
Ja’keisa Knox remained in the Tuscaloosa County Jail without bond after the death of her infant son. Investigators said the case began Tuesday afternoon when Knox called 911 after returning to her apartment and finding the baby unresponsive.
Emergency crews responded around 4 p.m. June 30 to an apartment in the 4800 block of 21st Avenue East. Authorities said the child was taken by ambulance to DCH Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Medical workers who treated the infant reported injuries, low weight and signs of malnourishment, prompting the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit to join the investigation.
Investigators said Knox told deputies she was the child’s sole caregiver. She said she left the apartment around 8 a.m. to work and returned around 4 p.m., when she found the baby unresponsive. Capt. Jack Kennedy of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit said Knox reported that she had gone DoorDashing during the day. Authorities said witnesses helped confirm parts of her timeline.
Kennedy said investigators are still reviewing evidence from electronic devices, witness statements and location records. He said officials also are checking whether the child had past medical treatment and what level of care he had received before his death. Knox also has other children, but investigators said they were not home at the time. Authorities said the Alabama Department of Human Resources is involved to make sure the other children are safe.
The Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences is expected to perform an autopsy to determine the child’s official cause and manner of death. Investigators said the current charge could be upgraded after those results are returned. Authorities said a possible murder charge remains under review, depending on the findings.
The investigation remained active this week, with Knox held without bond and no final autopsy results released. Prosecutors and investigators are expected to decide on any additional charges after forensic findings are complete.
Author note: Last updated July 4, 2026.