WPD investigating death of a child

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Wilmington Police Department is continuing to investigate a child death case that was brought forward early last year.

According to WPD, on March 11th, 2024, Alani Jackson, 3, was taken to Novant Health NHRMC by one of her parents with possibly life-threatening symptoms. A surgery was performed as medical experts worked to save her life. However, less than a week later, on March 18th, the young girl sadly died while still at the hospital.

The parent decided to cremate their daughter following her death, but before that was set to take place, and multiple days after the child had passed away, her grandmother alerted WPD detectives about potential child abuse that had occurred.

WPD’s Criminal Investigation Division immediately took action, and an autopsy was ordered because one had not already been conducted by Novant. More than two weeks after Jackson had passed away, and despite disagreements among medical professionals at Novant Health, a subsequent autopsy resulted in the death being classified as a homicide by the medical examiner. Additionally, the full autopsy came back in September of 2024 as WPD detectives were continuing their homicide investigation.

“Alani was a bright three-year-old little girl whose smile would light up any room. She was very smart and intelligent. I miss her a lot and just want justice for her, as well as for any child who has ever had to suffer at the hands of abuse that they didn’t ask to have to go through. I do not want this swept under the rug and want to shed light on what has happened with this case,” said Tiffany Walker, Alani’s grandmother.

The Wilmington Police Department is working with the New Hanover County District Attorney’s Office on this case and the investigation is ongoing. If you or anyone you know has information regarding this case, please contact the WPD at (910) 343-3609.