[ziggytrix]

Trial begins in chili powder death

02:51 PM CST on Monday, November 7, 2005

From WFAA-TV Reports

The case of a young Irving mother accused of killing her baby with chili powder last year went to trial Monday.

Angela Disabella, 21, told police she put chili powder on her daughter's thumb to stop her from sucking it — an idea she said she read on the Internet.

Disabella, who faces a capital murder charge, appeared in a Dallas courtroom Monday morning as jury selection began. Opening statements were tentatively set for 9 a.m. Tuesday if the panel is set.

Authorities said 5-month-old Kira Disabella died on May 31, 2004, just hours after inhaling the chili powder, despite the efforts of paramedics to save her.

The Dallas County medical examiner's office ruled Kira's death a homicide, finding that the infant choked on chili powder. Officials said her airway was clogged with the substance.

Police said they found chili powder strewn all over the kitchen at Disabella's Irving apartment.

There are various references online to chili powder as a deterrent to thumb sucking, few of which mention any dangers. Information is also available about products containing pepper extracts – among other ingredients - that are touted not only to curb thumb sucking, but also to cure nail biting. There are also articles critical of these practices.

Child Protective Services had tried to investigate reports that the girl was malnourished, but the family had moved several times and CPS case workers lost track of the Disabellas.

Prosecutors said they do not plan to pursue the death penalty.

The Dallas Morning News contributed to this report.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcont....3996c46b.html