Family of girl killed in chili powder poisoning in shock

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The family of a toddler allegedly killed by a woman who fed her chili powder expressed shock at the incident but thanked the local High Desert community for their support.

“Right now, the family is trying to gather as much community support as possible after what happened,” Christina Laliberte, the toddler’s aunt, told the Victor Valley Press.

Prosecutors filed murder charges Wednesday against a 21-year-old woman accused of fatally poisoning the 2-year-old girl.

Amanda Sorensen of Apple Valley was charged with one count of murder and another count of child abuse causing death, according to the complaint filed by the San Bernardino district attorney’s office.

Sorensen, who is the girlfriend of the child’s father, was arrested in the early morning hours Monday, according to the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department. She is being held at the West Valley Detention Center in lieu of $500,000 bail.

About 4:15 p.m. Sunday, deputies were called to the 20000 block of Cayuga Road in Apple Valley where a a child had suffered a seizure after ingesting chili powder. The toddler was transported to a local hospital, where she died, deputies said. Anyone with information regarding the crime is urged to contact Det. Rob Trostle or Sgt. Rick Bessinger at (909) 387-3589. Callers who wish to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at (800) 78-CRIME or visit www.wetip.com.

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