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).

On Monday, Holderness made her initial court appearance after surrendering to the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office earlier the same day. She now stands charged with involuntary manslaughter and child neglect, stemming from the tragic events of December 11, 2025. The local CBS affiliate, WNCT, reported that authorities had been investigating the circumstances surrounding Zayden’s death since that day.

The investigation began when sheriff’s deputies responded to an emergency call about a missing child. Upon arrival at the residence, they made the grim discovery. Zayden, only 16 months old, was found submerged in a container filled with water on the front porch.

Despite the immediate efforts of first responders, who administered lifesaving measures, the situation proved dire. Zayden was quickly transported to a hospital, where, tragically, he was pronounced dead. This devastating incident has left a community grappling with sorrow and seeking answers.

First responders provided lifesaving measures before transporting Zayden to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

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.