Jacksonville Mother Arrested Following Investigation into Child's Death

The Onslow County Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest following an extensive investigation into the death of a juvenile that occurred in December 2025. 

Around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 11, 2025, deputies responded to a 911 call about a missing child at 236 Old Timber Road in Jacksonville.  

Shortly after deputies arrived, they found a 16-month-old boy unconscious and submerged in water inside a container on the front porch of the home. 

Deputies and Emergency Medical Services personnel immediately initiated lifesaving measures. The juvenile was transported to Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, where he was later pronounced deceased. 

Following a thorough investigation, it was determined that negligence from the child’s mother was a contributing factor in the juvenile’s death. 

As a result of the investigation, Elizabeth Marie Holderness, 30, of 236 Old Timber Road, Jacksonville, turned herself in to the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office on January 5, 2026.  

Holderness has been charged with: 

• Felony Involuntary Manslaughter  

• Felony Negligent Child Abuse – Serious Bodily Injury  

• Six misdemeanor counts of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile

Holderness is being held with no bond and is awaiting a first court appearance.