On January 16, a fire of unknown origin broke out at a home in 13400 block of Athol Street in Trona.
Responding firefighters pulled two very young children from the burning home, later identified as 2-year-old Catalena Fusaro and her 11-month-ol brother. Neither child was breathing.
Life saving measures were performed on the children.
A short time later, Catalena was pronounced dead. The 11-month-old male was transported to a trauma center where he was initially listed as being in critical condition.Investigators from the sheriff’s department’s specialized investigations division, homicide detail were summoned. In short order they learned the children were home alone when the fire broke out. The children’s mother, Nikia Magby, 26, was arrested and booked at the High Desert Detention Center on charges for murder and child abuse causing great bodily injury.
The investigation, which is being handled by Detective Michael Roth and Sergeant Justin Giles, is continuing.