A mother from North Carolina now finds herself in custody after authorities allege her 16-month-old son tragically drowned in a water-filled container on her Jacksonville front porch.

The incident, which took place on December 11, was detailed in a January 5 announcement by the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office. The woman involved has been identified as 30-year-old Elizabeth Marie Holderness, residing on Old Timber Road.

Deputies responded to a 911 call about the missing toddler and discovered him unresponsive in the container. Despite being rushed to Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, the child was sadly declared dead upon arrival.

Coinciding with the child’s death, Holderness allegedly consumed an illegal substance over a prolonged period, according to the Charlotte Observer. She surrendered to authorities on January 5.

The circumstances of how the toddler ended up in the container remain uncertain.

Holderness is facing charges that include:

• Felony involuntary manslaughter
• Felony negligent child abuse resulting in serious bodily injury
• Contributing to the delinquency of a minor (six counts)

Search warrants reportedly indicated that at the time of the victim’s death, six children, between one and eight years old, were at the residence.

During court Monday, she received a $75,000 unsecured bond amount. According to WITN First Alert, a judge granted a bond amount after Holderness requested a drug test, which came back negative.

Check back for updates.

[Feature Photo via Onslow County SO]