The child’s mother is jailed without bond as authorities review evidence of alleged neglect.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Investigators are awaiting autopsy results after a 9-month-old boy died Tuesday and his mother was charged with felony child abuse in Tuscaloosa County.
The medical findings are expected to play a central role in the next stage of the case against 29-year-old Ja’keisa Knox. Authorities said the infant was found unresponsive after Knox returned to her apartment, and investigators later cited injuries, signs of malnourishment and reports that the child had been left home alone.
The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit said emergency crews were called around 4 p.m. June 30 to an apartment in the 4800 block of 21st Avenue East. The child was taken to DCH Regional Medical Center and pronounced dead. Capt. Jack Kennedy said investigators consulted with the District Attorney’s Office before Knox was charged.
Kennedy said authorities believe there was probable cause for felony child abuse based on the condition of the infant and information gathered during the investigation. Officials said Knox had other children, but they were not home at the time of the emergency call. The Alabama Department of Human Resources is involved as officials review the safety of those children.
No official cause of death has been released. The Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences is expected to conduct the autopsy. Authorities said the results will help determine whether prosecutors seek additional charges. Investigators said a more serious charge, including murder, remains possible depending on the findings.
Knox was being held without bond in the Tuscaloosa County Jail. Court records available in the first days after the arrest did not list a final resolution in the case. Officials have not said whether Knox has entered a plea, and no trial date has been announced.
The case has also widened beyond the criminal charge because of the surviving children. Investigators said the Department of Human Resources is working with law enforcement while the death investigation continues. Authorities have not released details about where the other children are staying or whether prior reports had been made involving the family.
As of Sunday, the case remained active. The next milestone is the forensic report, which will give investigators and prosecutors the official medical findings needed to decide the next legal step.
Author note: Last updated July 5, 2026.