APPLE VALLEY, Calif. (KTLA) — A w
oman has been arrested in the death of a toddler who police say was made to ingest chili powder — perhaps as a punishment.
Amanda Sorensen, 21, of Apple Valley, was detained early Monday morning on suspicion of child abuse resulting in death.
San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies were called to the 20000 block of Cayuga Road at 4:16 p.m. Sunday for a child suffering from a seizure after ingesting chili powder.
The 2-year-old girl was taken to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Sorensen is believed to be the girlfriend of the child’s father.
An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.
Neighbors told KTLA that they have witnessed abuse in the home before.
“They fight like crazy,” one man said. “I went over there one day to help with the car. She came out asking when he was going to get done so they could get the kids from school.”
“He just flew off the handle and just smacked the dog out of her,” he recalled.
Sorensen is being held on $500,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, Jan. 9.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Homicide Detail, Detective Rob Trostle or Sergeant Rick Bessinger at (909)387-3589.
If you want to remain anonymous, you can call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), or leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at http://www.Wetip.com.
628 Comments to “Woman Held in Toddler’s Chili Powder Death”
January 8, 2013 at 6:28 PM
Cruel dumb people we mexicans give chilli to our kids when they are one so everyone here is wrong
January 9, 2013 at 2:48 PM
No people are not wrong. Even a DOCTOR will tell you no to give a child under the age of 2-3 chili powder or anything in powder form because they dont know how to eat it without coughing and gasping on it and it then gets into their lungs and it chokes them.
January 13, 2013 at 10:46 AM
yes Mexican give chili to their kids but not chili powder sand Jolene was give a large amount that's what they found when they did the autopsy. This 2 years body couldn't handle it… how do i know this is my cuzin
January 8, 2013 at 6:46 PM
I see a lot of self righteous people here who don't know anything more about this than what the news told them. You don't know if this was a punishment and if it was it resulted in a horrible accident, not murder. I have had my mouth washed out with soap and I have heard of hot sauce on the tongue. I think everyone should keep their best parenting tips to themselves and stop pointing the fingers. Everyone always thinks their way is the best no matter what. At least, that's what I'm reading. This woman lost her child. It was a tragic accident. And even more tragic it the angry mob that's going to ensue this poor woman.
January 8, 2013 at 7:07 PM
She has confessed to using the Chili powder as a punishment, it was not an accident.
January 9, 2013 at 8:13 PM
not her child!! She's the "father's girlfriend"!! Her own baby is still alive and well (although in foster care now).
January 8, 2013 at 7:15 PM
What other cruelty had she previously inflicted on this little child. If it turns out she made the child ingest this burning hot stuff and it has killed her, then I hope you have the death penalty in that State and use it, because she would deserve it for literally torturing this child to death..
January 9, 2013 at 2:49 PM
CA does have the death penalty but it would take 20+ years for her to ever go through any of it if she was sentenced with that.
January 9, 2013 at 3:37 AM
I would not normally get into the comments on an article such as this, but some of the previous comments are rather shocking.
It seems to be that in most comments its extreme, either all for punisments and shouty about it, or prefect parent types.
I am niether, i'm not abusive nor am I perfect, plain old average parent.
I did not know chilli was danegrous. Both of my sons loved spiced food from an early age. Homemade curry, chilli con carne etc at a year old. We even grow chilli plants – so I must be evil right?
Please folks, read the story. I do not feel the step Mum knew it was dangerous, or deadly, but I do think she thought was a bit mean. My point being, I feel she might have been wrong, but the intention to make someone uncomfortable and intention to kill or not even close.
Why do articles like this always become a witch hunt? I could be wrong, maybe this lady did intend to kill. Or maybe I'm the good kind of niave, I honestly think she's not a monster.
If I'm wrong, I'm wrong – at the end of it all a little angel has died. Wether its murder or accident should be for your courts to decide – rather than an angry online mob.
January 9, 2013 at 2:54 PM
Chili itself isnt harmful but the powder it is made into. Any powder form can kill a child because their little lungs dont know how to handle it. Even grown adults can have reactions to anything in powder form. Powder can get stuck to the mouth, throat, etc and cause a person/child to choke. The chili in a child can cause swelling in the throat.
January 9, 2013 at 6:25 AM
Are you nuts "mom who cares"? You don't have to KNOW that chili powder can kill a child…..if you are sane, you would NEVER try to "punish" a 2 year old using such a method. She certainly SHOULD be judged – and harshly. God has nothing to do with this.
January 9, 2013 at 6:26 AM
I do know the mother and she is no better than the father, the children were taken away from her because of the drinking and partying that goes on in the home, the boyfriend she is with now is nothing but trash, an abuser and she tolerates it. I do hope the courts put the remaining children in good homes and away from both parents. The homes are disgustingly dirty, and the kids were kept that way as well. Just look look at the pic from the news and it tells you all, and that beautiful baby had to die because of the lowlifes that these parents choose to be with. Why do women have children when they can't even provide for them and of course first step is to go to welfare!!!!! That baby is safe now and in heaven and won't have to go thru life with these horrible parents. Put the Dad's ass in jail too for neglect!
January 9, 2013 at 1:53 PM
My heart goes out to the mother of this child, i have a four year old daughter and this story is truly heartbreaking! Our society is so broken…SOMEONE should have spoken up about any type of abuse when it concerns children. As for the father if he had even an ounce of ability to parent he should have not been able to be in custody of that precious little baby girl. I swear people should have to undergo intensive testing before being able to care for another human being, not all those who are able to procreate doesnt mean they are mentally able. I pray for God to take care of this beautiful baby girl and keep her safe now from any harm.
January 9, 2013 at 2:36 PM
EVERYONE in this family is to blame. The children were used as pawns in a family rivalry. Everyone in the family, aunts, grandmother and friends knew that these children were not being treated properly by Amanda yet they did nothing, no they did less than nothing they caused more harm by playing games amongst themselves and they still are. The saddest thing of all is that not one member of this completely disfunctional family has learned a damn thing from this tragic death. So just keep playing the games Garcia-Perkins-Silva-Galvan- Sorensen family and hope this doesnt happen to any of yours.
January 9, 2013 at 4:22 PM
regardless of what happens to the adults, i sincerely hope and pray that the children get the help they need, and lead healthy and productive lives.
January 9, 2013 at 5:29 PM
Completely agreed the surviving children need to be the priority. They should not be released to anyone in the twisted family.
January 12, 2013 at 1:11 AM
I AM SORRY WHO ARE YOU??? INSIDER….. AND WHAT DO YOU REALLY KNOW BECAUSE IF YOU ONLY KNEW HALF OF WHAT YOU THINK YOU KNOW YOU WOULD KNOW THAT YOU ARE TALKING OUT OF YOUR ASS!!! AMANDA SWORE UP AND DOWN THAT SHE WAS MOTHER OF THE YEAR BUT REALLY THE APPLE DOESN'T FALL FAR FROM THE TREE, THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THAT AMANDA'S MOTHER WENT FOR MEN WITH MONEY (GOLD DIGGER) AND AMANDA WAS JUST A HOME WRECKER. MY HEART GOES OUT TO AMANDA SHE DIDN'T HAVE THE BEST UP BRING OR ROLE MODEL TO LOOK UP TO GROWING UP. SHE WAS CALLED SUCH DEGRADING NAMES AS A YOUNG TEEN……. THE NEXT TIME YOU WANT TO TRASH EVERY OTHER FAMILY MEMBER, GRANDMOTHER, AUNT, OR FRIENDS LAST NAME MAYBE YOU SHOULD INCLUDE THE HOWELL'S BECAUSE FROM WHAT I KNOW THOSE WERE THE CLOSEST TO AMANDA. THANKS
January 9, 2013 at 8:22 PM
All families are dysfunctional to some degree. You are just here to kick them when they're down and hurting and vulnerable. Trying to name names is despicable and serves no purpose but for you to try to make yourself feel more important. Leave them alone while they try to figure this whole thing out! It's so easy to criticize at this point, but serves no useful or helpful purpose.
If you have nothing helpful to say, don't say anything!
January 10, 2013 at 7:26 PM
You mention all these names… and hope that someone doesn't mention yours!!
January 9, 2013 at 4:01 PM
bottom line mother,father,step mom and all involved had no business having any children in the first place!!!!!!! its obvious none of these people have the first clue on how to raise kids much less keeping them safe and sound!! makes you wonder who raised them?? they obviously come from a long blood line of TOTAL STUPIDITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 9, 2013 at 8:24 PM
You are wrong. This is a senseless tragedy, but your comment certainly makes it obvious that you come from that "long blood line" yourself!
January 10, 2013 at 6:07 AM
So, neighbors have witnessed abuse in the home in the past . . . what did they do?
January 10, 2013 at 12:38 PM
Its pretty sad when the father wants to throw a party after the baby girls funeral…..does that sound like a good idea from a father who should be worrying about the future of his other 3 children? Parties are not the best choice after burying your 2 yr old daughter. Sounds like he doesnt deserve the other 3 children. No one in the family does. Not even her mother. These children need to be placed with foster parents that have proved to the state they will grow up in loving, caring homes!
January 10, 2013 at 7:23 PM
I didn't see anything about the father having a party!… I also didn't see anything about the funeral.
January 11, 2013 at 12:03 PM
You obviously dont know more than….
January 17, 2013 at 11:19 AM
Actually I do….I know more than most people who are close to the family.
January 20, 2013 at 3:04 PM
Funerals, but no parties… Hmm, I guess someone does know more. Stop trying to pretend that you know so much.
January 25, 2013 at 1:44 AM
Right….no party cuz he got called out on it…..well the father is still asking people for donations to help bury his daughter that is already buried. What a low life POS he is…..Not to mention, selling Amanda's horse, which he had NO right to do. If he no longer wanted to care for the horse, he could have sent it to her mothers house. And then he pockets the money. He is a POS and he should not be allowed to have any more children nor be allowed to accept any more donations to bury his child.
January 26, 2013 at 6:22 PM
If you check your facts, which you should, Amanda's horse was not sold but is in fact living with Amanda's mother in Riverside and as far as the "party" goes, people do it all the time some call it a wake, some call it a celebration of life some may choose to call it a party, get over it. Dont get me wrong, I do believe that many things are not being done right but to focus on this so called party is just an attempt to make Ben look worse.
January 10, 2013 at 12:41 PM
Dear God, please protect me from making any type of irrational mistake, the people on earth will crucify me before I can be forgiven.
January 10, 2013 at 1:43 PM
You don't have a brother. Everything you say is suspect. Everything you say is a lie. You are a paid hack troll who says things that only a troll would say and act like a troll.
When you continue to bring up old and tired lies even after being taught and shown where you were wrong, that makes you a troll.
January 10, 2013 at 2:17 PM
What's wrong? The handlers won't let you talk with the adults so you get all cranky mr iranian troll? Couldn't figure out with all the iranian technical know how you have behind you how to even post on that site? What a loser.
January 10, 2013 at 11:06 PM
Why do you continue to bring up lies like you have a brother and that I am a troll and that Trita Parsi spells his name with an "s"?
January 11, 2013 at 5:35 AM
Why do you call them lies?And why are you too afraid to face the retired navy site?Does a US military guy scare you?
January 12, 2013 at 3:02 PM
I'm American. Quote that.
January 12, 2013 at 4:30 PM
Why lie? And Trista is American too?
January 12, 2013 at 4:41 PM
You have to believe me. sorry. I didn't make the rules.
January 12, 2013 at 5:28 PM
You as iranian paid hacks don't get to decide who Americans are.
January 12, 2013 at 9:47 PM
I don't make the rules. My parents fucked here. sorry you lose. loser.
January 10, 2013 at 2:21 PM
You were on a ruse to cover up the fact you have never had a girlfriend, long before I took your racist brother's pic.
You have no excuse for looking like a faggot online.
January 10, 2013 at 2:37 PM
So you admit you are using a pic of my brother you trolled off facebook.
That's called stalking and that's why you don't deserve to have any personal information about me.
And you just stay here below the radar screen where the big people won't make you nervous…
coward. And to think you pretended to have media experience and you're afraid of one little web site? That's funny, what happened did you look in there and see 'harsh lighting' or something?
January 10, 2013 at 2:41 PM
So I admit? I told you I am using your brother's pic until you say if you have a girlfriend.
But you don't care about your brother. you care more about trying to cover up the fact you have never had sex with a woman.
Navy is terrified of me. You can't change that history. Just like you can't make anybody believe you have a girlfriend.
January 10, 2013 at 2:47 PM
So you admit you're a stalker and are a creep who deserves to hear nothing, nothing about anyone. Particularly from the vicims you're currently stalking.
So, you and patriot are taking turns now? What happened, are you defunded down to one cleric now at the trista parsi troll brigade?
January 10, 2013 at 2:54 PM
You still looking for any excuse to explain away the fact that you have never mentioned having a girlfriend to anybody, even on navy's site?
Liberace used your same tactic, but it didn't work for him either.
January 10, 2013 at 3:09 PM
It't not a dating site, so it's none of their business. And they don't care either. You read navy's site? And were too scared to comment? Typical.
January 10, 2013 at 3:14 PM
Why are you the only conservative that won't mention a girlfriend? Everybody on Navy's site mentions their love. Why do you use the same excuses that Liberace did during his life?
January 10, 2013 at 4:49 PM
It's not a dating site.
Whywould I?
January 10, 2013 at 4:59 PM
To provide evidence that you aren't gay while you follow Weetodd around.
January 10, 2013 at 5:08 PM
to provide evidence you're stalking me you use a pic of a man you never met and stalked on facebook
January 10, 2013 at 5:09 PM
I use your brothers pic to prove that you don't have a girlfriend, and you can't do anything about it.
January 10, 2013 at 5:13 PM
As a stalker, with a pic of a strange man you don't know.That proves my point.
January 10, 2013 at 5:27 PM
I do know. We all know. Yiur ruse to stay quiet , doesn't work. There is nio doubt that you don't have a girlfriend.
January 10, 2013 at 6:46 PM
You don't know jack. Other than what one old pic of my brother looks like.And there is no doubt you dream of finding out more, but it wont' be from me, and it won't be on this forum.
January 11, 2013 at 8:20 AM
My step mother did this to my dozens of times with tobasco. Her name is Shari. It was extremely painful
January 12, 2013 at 12:23 PM
Shame on anyone that mentions any family members name, first or last. This story is about an innocent 2 year old that is now dead. To use this sad story to disrespect any other people that you dont like is just stupid. If you all know them so well than get some courage and tell them what you think to thier faces not on the internet behind some fake name. This story is more complicated then any of you know, this family will be living this story long after it has faded from the headlines, give them room to grieve.
January 12, 2013 at 1:43 PM
Grieve, really, the family didn't care about these kids until one of them died. Now that they are in the spot light they are putting on a show. They are all scumbags, both sides of the family.
January 17, 2013 at 11:23 AM
I do have to agree with you on the fact they are putting on a show. Its pretty sad that an innocent child had to die as well. Its pretty sad that the father wanted more kids but couldn't handle the ones he had already! When I heard he was thinking of getting himself "fixed" I asked him what took him so long to realize he didn't need anymore kids!? He didn't know what to say in response.
January 12, 2013 at 11:32 PM
I went to the source they reference and it is spelled TRITA PARSI! I have told you this many times. You are a troll that is why you wont let it go. You are wrong. go to their source.
Give it up. You spell his name wrong. Show me your evidence. http://www.niacouncil.org/site/PageServer?pagenam….
Read more at http://ktla.com/2013/01/08/police-toddler-dies-af…
January 13, 2013 at 6:29 AM
All that, and you still don't like me pointing out you've spelled it Trista in this thread, and that Al Jazeera spells it trista.Does your boss pay you to say the wrong way?
January 13, 2013 at 7:19 AM
Is it against your principals or principles,you stupid fuck?
January 14, 2013 at 5:17 PM
http://www.niacouncil.org/site/PageServer?pagenam….
This is the source of your link.
January 14, 2013 at 5:22 PM
No, it was Al Jazeera.You aren't very bright, even for a muslim iranian… are you?Pakistani rat child in the family tree a generation or two back?
January 14, 2013 at 5:57 PM
http://www.niacouncil.org/site/PageServer?pagenam….
This is the source of your link.
Read more at http://ktla.com/2013/01/08/police-toddler-dies-af…
January 14, 2013 at 7:15 PM
Still just stuck on muslim iran.Still just stuck on stupid.
January 15, 2013 at 7:06 PM
http://www.niacouncil.org/site/PageServer?pagenam….
This is the source of your link.
Read more at http://ktla.com/2013/01/08/police-toddler-dies-af…
January 15, 2013 at 7:55 PM
Still stuck on stupid?Still stuck on iranian islam?
January 15, 2013 at 9:11 PM
facts require proof.
January 15, 2013 at 9:43 PM
Fact stand on their own. gravity works not becaue it's proven, but becaue it is.
January 12, 2013 at 11:34 PM
Your own source references my link.
it's Trita.
You don't like someone you don't even know.
January 13, 2013 at 6:30 AM
My own source calls him Trista Parsi and explains he's an Iranian propagandist who has an agenda and can't be trusted.
January 14, 2013 at 5:16 PM
You don't even know Trita Parsi. You are just a troll.
Your own source references the National Iranian American council.
http://www.niacouncil.org/site/PageServer?pagenam….
January 14, 2013 at 5:20 PM
I don't have to know him.You don't know Ronald Reagan.What was your point again? What a sad pathetic trista troll you are.
January 14, 2013 at 5:53 PM
My point was, facts require proof, ahmadinejad never said there are not gays in iran and Trita Parsi is spelled the way the NIAC says.
January 14, 2013 at 7:14 PM
My, such a change in direction.What's wrong the center for the internet conquest isnt' able to crash any American banks?
January 15, 2013 at 7:09 PM
facts require proof,
January 15, 2013 at 7:55 PM
Facts stand on their own keithie.
January 12, 2013 at 11:35 PM
You used islamweb who referenced the national iranian council which proves me right and you wrong.
Trita Parsi.
Give it up. You spell his name wrong. Show me your evidence. http://www.niacouncil.org/site/PageServer?pagena
Read more at http://ktla.com/2013/01/08/police-toddler-dies-af…
January 13, 2013 at 6:31 AM
I used a source that called him Trista Parsi as a propagandist involved with Iranian politics covering for the corrupt regime that murdered Neda.
January 14, 2013 at 5:11 PM
You used islam web and they referenced the National iranian council.
There website, their source, clearly states Trita Parsi.
Consider yourself owned.
January 14, 2013 at 5:20 PM
What's wrong, really?That you slipped and spelled it Trista more than once?That Al Jazeera spells it right? Are you iranians so used to bullying people into propaganda that you can't stand even when someone spells a name right?No wonder you guys took down poor defenseless Neda.
January 14, 2013 at 5:49 PM
You used islam web and they referenced the National iranian council.
There website, their source, clearly states Trita Parsi.
Consider yourself owned
Read more at http://ktla.com/2013/01/08/police-toddler-dies-af…
January 14, 2013 at 7:14 PM
Poor little patriot, can't they find a more accurate name for you, perhaps keithisnotgreat?
January 13, 2013 at 8:10 AM
Why can't you spell principles and principals correctly, dumb shit?
Plus, I think the vagina on your face is the reason you don't have a girlfriend.
January 13, 2013 at 8:17 AM
Why can't you find a life correctly?
Still looking for a chance to do that 'chop chop' muslim friendly thing you sick freaky stalker?
January 13, 2013 at 8:29 AM
Fact!!! Roger doesn't know the difference between principals and principles.
And you can't use your gay cover up games to distract from it.
January 13, 2013 at 9:11 AM
Fact, you want violent overthrow in sharia style.You think I've forgotten your early comments about things?I think it's time I start dragging them out again. That 'chop chop' was just the beginning.
January 13, 2013 at 9:42 AM
You don't know about principles and princapals because I want to see your fucking head in a basket?
January 13, 2013 at 9:59 AM
You're just a troll stalker that advocates for violence, so I don't much care what you are worried about.
January 13, 2013 at 10:02 AM
Stop fighting like a little girl and take responibility for not having a girlfriend and not knowing principles and princapals.
January 13, 2013 at 10:07 AM
Still pretending sanity like a crazy stalker?
January 13, 2013 at 10:15 AM
Not spending time with a girlfriend?
January 13, 2013 at 10:21 AM
Still thinking I'd spend any with you?You're a sick twisted stalker.
January 13, 2013 at 10:30 AM
You justg repeat whatever I say now. And yes, I think you will spend time with me becuase you have no girlfriend to spend time with. It's all about you looking for men to talk to.
January 13, 2013 at 10:38 AM
You are a sick stalker, don't you remember saying this?AlinskyHHeroUUSSAA replied to your comment on6-Aug-12 World View — Concerns raised for safety of Sikhs, Muslims, Hindus in America/Conservative Victory 2012:”the government needs to put a bullet in Roger's head as soon as possible.He fit all the signs of a domestic terrorist nutcase. And he has been trained by this site to murder.”
January 13, 2013 at 10:46 AM
Only a sick fuck would save men's comments and never mention having a girlfriend. But yes, I want to see your head in a basket, who deoes't?
January 13, 2013 at 11:40 AM
Only a sick stalker type would make those comments.And any sane person doesn't want to see any head in a basket. That's very sharia friendly, but sick for the civilized world.You need to let Trista know you're cover is blown again.
January 13, 2013 at 11:45 AM
Name one person that doesn't want to see your fucking head in a basket. Get a girlfriend you creepy fuck.
January 13, 2013 at 11:50 AM
You just proved my point. You're a sick perverted stalker type that loves violence and deserves to be banned.
January 13, 2013 at 12:13 PM
Do you talk to your girlfriend like this? Oh, that's right, you don't talk to girls.
January 13, 2013 at 3:54 PM
Do you expect me to talk to a stalker that wants me killed and my head put into a basket?AlinskyHHeroUUSSAA replied to your comment on 6-Aug-12 World View — Concerns raised for safety of Sikhs, Muslims, Hindus in America / Conservative Victory 2012:”the government needs to put a bullet in Roger's head as soon as possible.He fit all the signs of a domestic terrorist nutcase. And he has been trained by this site to murder.”
January 14, 2013 at 3:18 AM
OO I.NMOKOEHoY TuYes, i expect yo to talk to me, you canHelp yourself. u av t tal t e f i were a woman, you wouldNt reply. Fucking creepy faggt.
January 16, 2013 at 8:24 AM
Thanks for proving my point stalker troll roger —
January 16, 2013 at 8:35 AM
Your admitting to following me is what?Wee, are you hitting that little flask again?There are meetings that can help with that.
January 24, 2013 at 12:30 PM
Amanda Sorenson was caring for the kid of another woman and the sperm donor, when she ought to have been in college, learning skills and getting ready to travel the world. HELL"s BELLs, I had no idea that ingesting chili powder could kill. There are so many things wrong here; Where was the child's father, his parents, his grandparents, and what kind of idiot leaves a 21 year old child-adult in charge of 4 small kids? That is way too much responsibility, and my guess, she was used as a Free BabySitter. Women: SHUN MEN who want to dump their kids onto your door, UNLESS they provide a Nanny and at least $25.00 an hour in cash.
January 25, 2013 at 1:53 AM
Amanda had attended Marinello School of Beauty and was supposedly working at a cosmetologist on days she didnt have to watch the kids full time. The "sperm donor" is still legally married to the childs biological mother, yet lives and is in a relationship with Amanda ( well was until the day his child died) and had a child with Amanda shortly after little Jolenne was born. Amanda was a homewrecker but so was the father as he was screwing around with Amanda long before she moved in to the home where the biological mother and the father lived together. Once she found out, biological mother left. She got into drugs, alcohol, etc and had lost custody. Amanda was caring for his 3 children from his wife and her child from him. His parents live in Riverside, they lived in Apple Valley, a good 30-45 minutes away. She was not a free babysitter as she lived in the home where this incident occurred. HE supposedly was out "working" either shoeing horses ( Farrier/Blacksmith) or "welding" and supposedly was being treated for eye flash from welding at the same hospital the child was taken to where she was pronounced dead. Also, supposedly, the babysitter they had just recently fired was sitting in their home which I would have considered the crime scene, after all this happened waiting probably for the father to come home. They were a VERY dysfunctional family!