Apple Valley Woman Pleads Guilty In Toddler's Death After Eating Chili Powder

VICTORVILLE (CBSLA.com) — An Apple Valley woman has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of a 2-year-old girl who died from complications after eating chili powder.

Amanda Dawn Sorensen, now 23, entered a plea of guilty to second-degree murder Monday, San Bernardino County Deputy District Attorney Kathleen DiDonato said.

Sorensen, who was the girlfriend of the child's father, was arrested on Jan. 7, 2013, after the girl, identified in court documents as Joileen G., suffered a seizure after ingesting chili powder at an Apple Valley home. The girl was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Sorensen will be sentenced to 15 years to life, as required by statute and will have to actually serve the full 15 years before she's eligible for parole with no time off for good behavior, DiDonato said.

According to San Bernardino County Jail information, Sorensen is being held on $1 million bail and is scheduled to appear in court next on Jan. 12.