Woman arrested in child abuse case after 2-year-old foster child died and 3-year-old foster child seriously injured

Pulaski County, Missouri. – A woman was recently arrested in a child abuse case after her 2-year-old foster child died and another 3-year-old foster child was hospitalized due to injuries she had been caring for. Alyssa Jackson, 26, of St. Robert, was charged with first-degree child endangerment resulting in death, child abuse or neglect resulting in death, child abuse or neglect resulting in serious emotional or physical injury, and first-degree child endangerment resulting in serious physical injury.

According to the probable cause affidavit, on August 13, 2024, the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office was called to a residence after receiving a call about an unconscious, unresponsive 2-year-old girl who was not breathing. Upon arrival, officers retrieved the girl from Jackson and performed CPR until she was taken to General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital. She was later transferred to Mercy Hospital in Springfield, where she succumbed to her injuries. During an investigation, a second foster child, a 3-year-old boy, was retrieved from Jackson and released to another foster family before being taken to the hospital for injuries he sustained. According to doctors, these injuries are similar to those seen in child abuse cases.

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On August 14, 2024, Jackson's home was searched and officers found the house to be in disarray. They noticed human feces on the floor and walls, stained mattresses, in every sink including the bathroom sinks, stacked dishes, flies throughout the house, moldy food on the floor and in the child's bed, clothes piled on the beds, and a strong smell of mold and mildew.

The two-year-old victim's medical records revealed that “severe hemorrhagic retinal changes and papillary and retinal edema occurred in both eyes and the findings were consistent with non-accidental trauma.”

The three-year-old's medical records at the hospital show that the victim has severe swelling, bruising and cuts to his face. He also had broken bones in several places along his spine. All medical staff agreed that these injuries were not caused by accidental trauma and were consistent with child abuse.

When confronted with all of the information from both foster children's medical records, Jackson refused to speak with officials, demanded an attorney, and ended the conversation. She is now being held in the Pulaski County Jail on $1,000,000 cash or surety bond.

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