NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Authorities say a 12-year-old girl has been charged in Washington Parish with attempted first-degree murder for allegedly trying to kill her 8-month-old niece.

Washington Parish Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Mike Haley tells The Times-Picayune that the girl gave the baby two doses of liquid prescription medicine over a two-day period.

Haley says the 12-year-old told authorities she was jealous of the attention being given to the infant.

The Sheriff's Office began investigating the incident about five days ago after it received a report of the alleged abuse from the Department of Children and Family Services.

The 12-year-old's name is being withheld because she is a juvenile.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.