Kaitlynn Dominick, 22, was arrested and charged in the death of her 17-month-old son in early May in Alabama.

The boy, who relied on a surgically implanted gastric tube for feeding due to a medical condition, died the next day.

Authorities indicated that medical personnel detected worrying results in the minor's clinical tests, which led a doctor to submit a mandatory report to child protection authorities.

Inconsistent statements raised suspicions

The investigation was left in the hands of Baldwin County detectives, who interviewed health personnel, family members and other people related to the case.

According to investigators, Dominick initially offered conflicting versions of what happened before the medical emergency.

During subsequent investigations, authorities say the woman admitted having prepared and administered a liquid mixture through her son's feeding tube.

“During follow-up investigation, Dominick admitted to mixing a liquid solution and administering it to his son, resulting in his death,” the sheriff's office said in a statement.

Authorities say the mixture contained salt.

Although authorities have not publicly revealed the exact composition of the substance, court documents cited by local media indicate that the mixture contained table salt and another liquid whose nature has not been disclosed.

Captain Justin Correa explained that the substance was introduced directly into the child's feeding tube before he suffered the medical emergency.

According to Correa, the minor's pre-existing medical conditions and his young age could have considerably aggravated the effects of the mixture.

Baldwin County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Teresa Heinz said the prosecution believes Dominick knew the substance could cause harm to the minor.

“I think she knew that this would harm the child,” Heinz told local media.

Prosecutors also maintain that the accused sought to free herself from the burden associated with the constant care of the sick minor, although authorities have not offered more details about this line of investigation.

The case remains under investigation

Authorities have not revealed the identity of the boy or the specific nature of the illness he was suffering from.

The Baldwin County Sheriff's Office reported that the investigation remains open and will not release additional information at this time.

Jail records show Dominick was booked into the county jail on May 26 and later released on bail.

The case has generated shock in the local community due to the minor's medical vulnerability and the accusations made by investigators about the circumstances surrounding his death.