Mom accused of poisoning child pleads not guilty
A Vista, California woman who has been charged on two counts of using a caustic chemical to poison her 23-month-old son has pleaded not guilty.
Christina Noel Howell, 21, faces more than 11 years in state prison if convicted, Deputy District Attorney Keith Watanabe said.
Watanabe told Vista Superior Court Judge Marshall Hockett that the boy, identified as Christian D., was first hospitalized May 25 for a report of accidental ingestion of Tilex Mold & Mildew Remover.
The child suffered caustic chemical burns to his throat and stomach and first-degree burns to his face, Watanabe said.
The boy was released from the hospital the next day, but was hospitalized again May 28 for severe vomiting, altered consciousness and seizures.
Information from: http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/...
