Jacksonville mother arrested following investigation into child’s death

JACKSONVILLE, NC (WWAY) — A 30-year-old mother has been arrested by the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office after her 16-month-old son was found dead.

Elizabeth Holderness of Jacksonville turned herself in to the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office on Monday after the investigation into the death determined negligence from the mother was a contributing factor into the boy’s death.

Around 4:30 p.m. on December 11th, 2025, deputies responded to a 911 call about a missing child on Old Timber Road in Jacksonville. After deputies arrived, they found the boy unconscious and submerged in water inside a container on the front porch of the home.

First responders performed lifesaving measures, and the child was transported to Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, where he died.

Holderness is being charged with felony involuntary manslaughter, felony negligent child abuse serious bodily injury, and six misdemeanor counts of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile.

Holderness is being held with no bond.