Bail set for accused killer of foster child

San Diego Union-Tribune, The (CA)

Column: PUBLIC SAFETY

COURT WATCH

NORTH COUNTY COURTS

Author: Angela Lau; STAFF WRITER

A woman accused of killing her 4-year-old foster child appeared in court yesterday, facing the judge and the child's birth mother for the first time.

Dania Haros, 23, of Oceanside did not enter a plea because her arraignment was postponed until Monday at her attorney's request.

Vista Superior Court Judge Adrienne Orfield set Haros' bail at $5 million, although Deputy District Attorney Kelly Mok asked for $10 million, saying that Haros and her husband were planning to move to Mexico this month.

Mok said the victim, Angelina Espalin, suffered significant brain swelling and had multiple bruises on her face and body. She also said that Haros admitted to assaulting Angelina the night before the girl died.

Sitting in the gallery, Angelina's biological mother, Patricia Espalin, 22, sobbed throughout the short proceeding.

Angelina was taken to Tri-City Medical Center in Oceanside on Nov. 19, 2006, by Haros and her husband. She was airlifted to Rady Children's Hospital and died later that day.

An autopsy ruled the death a homicide, and Haros was arrested Monday after a yearlong investigation.

Angelina's sister, Elisa, 3, who also was in Haros' foster care, has been adopted by another family.