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Modesto baby sitter arrested in toddler's death
Feb 10, 2012 (The Modesto Bee - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --
An 18-month-old toddler is dead and her 31-year-old baby sitter has been arrested on suspicion of murder, authorities said Thursday.
Police were called Tuesday afternoon to a home in the 1000 block of Marseille Lane in west Modesto on a report that a child was not breathing. The officers began trying to revive Alexandra Medina-Cisneros, who was unconscious. Paramedics soon arrived and took the child to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead, according to Lt. Rick Armendariz, spokesman for the Modesto Police Department.
Alexandra's parents, who live at El Casa Verde apartment complex, had to work, so they asked Maria Elena Torres, who lives about two blocks away, to baby-sit. Armendariz said the baby sitter is not related to Alexandra or her family. Torres was watching the girl as well as her 2- and 4-year-old children.
Alexandra's injuries occurred at the apartment complex, but authorities say Torres returned with the girl to her own home before calling police about 2:10 p.m.
Torres told officers the child had accidentally fallen down a flight of stairs at the apartment complex.
Officers discovered discrepancies in Torres' story, Armendariz said. He said the girl had blunt force injuries, but that they were not consistent with a fall.
Torres was arrested Wednesday night and booked at the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on suspicion of murder.
Residents at the apartment complex said Thursday morning that many of them had seen patrol cars and heard from officers that a child had fallen down the stairs, but were surprised to learn the girl had died.
"After hearing that, I went to my daughter and gave her a hug," said Serina Mays.
She said she plans to ensure her child goes to a licensed care facility after hearing of the accusations against Torres.
Several residents pointed to an upstairs unit at the rear of the complex where the incident is believed to have taken place. A Bee reporter knocked on the door, but no one answered.
A downstairs neighbor said she doesn't know Torres but frequently heard kids running around upstairs. Thursday morning, it was quiet.
Armendariz did not know whether Torres' children were in the custody of Child Protective Services or with family.
Police ask anyone who may have information regarding this incident to call Detective Jon Evers at (209) 572-9534 or Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and are eligible for a cash reward. Tipsters can text information to Crime Stoppers by sending a message to 274637. Type "TIP704" along with a message.
Stanislaus County 2012 Homicide Map
View 2012 Stanislaus County Homicides in a larger map
___ (c)2012 The Modesto Bee (Modesto, Calif.) Visit The Modesto Bee (Modesto,
Calif.) at www.modbee.com Distributed by MCT Information Services
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