Overview
- Authorities say the infant was taken by ambulance from Aspen Village Apartments to DCH Regional Medical Center and was pronounced dead after being found unresponsive Tuesday.
- Tuscaloosa police booked 29‑year‑old Ja’Keisa Knox on a felony child abuse charge and she is being held in the county jail without bond.
- Medical staff reported numerous physical injuries and that the 9‑month‑old was extremely underweight, leading investigators to open a violent‑crimes probe.
- Investigators say Knox told them she left the baby alone for about eight hours and that evidence suggests maltreatment over time rather than a single accidental event.
- The Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences is conducting an autopsy whose findings may not be available for some time and could prompt upgraded charges, including possible murder; officials are also checking on the status of Knox’s other children.