> At a Glance
> – Elizabeth Marie Holderness, 30, charged with involuntary manslaughter after her 16-month-old son died
> – Deputies discovered the toddler submerged in a container on the porch of their Jacksonville home
> – Investigators claim Holderness’s negligence-allegedly using illegal substances in another room-contributed to the death
> – Why it matters: The case highlights the legal consequences of negligent supervision in child-fatality incidents
A 16-month-old boy found unresponsive in a water container on his family’s porch has led to felony charges against his mother, Elizabeth Marie Holderness, who authorities say was under the influence in another room when the tragedy unfolded.
The Discovery
On December 11, 2025, around 4:30 p.m., Onslow County deputies responded to a 911 call reporting a missing child at the Jacksonville residence. They located the toddler inside a container filled with water on the front porch.
- Lifesaving efforts by deputies and EMS
- Transport to Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune
- Child pronounced dead at the hospital
Charges Filed
Following an investigation, the sheriff’s office concluded Holderness’s negligence was a contributing factor in the death. Arrest warrants cited by local station WCTI allege she spent an extended period using illegal substances in a separate room while the child was unsupervised.
| Charge | Type |
|---|---|
| Involuntary manslaughter | Felony |
| Negligent child abuse (serious bodily injury) | Felony |
| Contributing to delinquency of a juvenile (6 counts) | Misdemeanor |
Holderness turned herself in on January 5, 2026. A judge set her bond at $75,000 unsecured during her first court appearance that day.
Key Takeaways
- Toddler’s death ruled a result of maternal negligence while under the influence
- Mother faces multiple felony and misdemeanor counts
- $75,000 bond set as case proceeds through Onslow County courts
The sheriff’s office statement stresses that all calls to the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4-A-Child) remain confidential and available 24/7.
