Background: The home in Jacksonville, N.C., where a 16-month-old baby was found dead in December 2025 (Google Maps). Inset: Elizabeth Holderness (Onslow County Sheriff’s Office).

Elizabeth Holderness, aged 30, appeared in court for the first time on Monday after surrendering to authorities at the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office earlier that day. She faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and child neglect related to the demise of her 16-month-old son, Zayden. Local CBS affiliate WNCT reported that the investigation into Holderness began when Zayden was found dead on December 11, 2025.

Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call about a missing child and discovered Zayden shortly after arriving at the residence. Authorities reported that the young boy was found submerged in a container filled with water on the porch.

Despite the efforts of first responders who administered emergency medical procedures, Zayden was later declared dead at the hospital.

According to a warrant obtained by Law&Crime, Holderness is accused of child neglect as she allegedly consumed illegal substances in a separate room for an extended duration, leaving her son unsupervised. During this time, the toddler tragically ended up submerged in water. The police have not disclosed additional details about the household situation, the presence of other family members or children, or the identity of the individual who reported Zayden missing.

According to a warrant reviewed by Law&Crime, police said that with regard to the child neglect charges, Holderness was “ingesting an illegal substance in a separate room for an extended period of time.” She allegedly left the toddler unattended, during which time he ended up submerged in water. Police did not provide further details about the circumstances in the home, including other family members or children, or about who reported Zayden missing.

During her first court appearance on Monday, a judge set Holderness’ bond at $75,000. She was charged with involuntary manslaughter, child neglect or abuse resulting in serious bodily injury, and six misdemeanor counts of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. Her next court date is scheduled for Jan. 15.