Woman pleads not guilty to killing foster child, 4

San Diego Union-Tribune, The (CA)

Author: Angela Lau; Staff writer

NORTH COUNTY COURTS: An Oceanside woman accused of murdering her 4-year-old foster child pleaded not guilty yesterday.

Dania Haros, 23, stood in the courtroom holding cell as her lawyer, Manuel Gonzalez, entered her plea before Vista Superior Court Judge David Rubin. She lowered her head at times, and nodded when the judge asked her if she had pleaded not guilty. Her bail remains at $5 million.

Haros is charged with murdering Angelina Espalin, who was placed in her care five months before her death on Nov. 19, 2006.

That day, Haros and her husband rushed the unconscious girl to Tri-City Medical Center in Oceanside. She was airlifted to Rady Children's Hospital, where she died. An autopsy ruled the death a homicide. Angelina suffered significant brain swelling and had multiple bruises on her face and body, Deputy District Attorney Kelly Mok has said.