Mother to face trial in toddler's poisoning

Story here. Excerpt:

'A young mother who authorities said deliberately mixed drain cleaner with her toddler's apple juice must face trial for child abuse and other charges, a judge ruled Wednesday.

Christina Noel Howell has pleaded not guilty to a charge of aggravated mayhem in the alleged poisoning of her 22-month-old son with caustic chemicals. If she is convicted, she could face up to life in prison.

The 22-year-old also has pleaded not guilty to two counts of child abuse and two counts of poisoning.

Deputy District Attorney Keith Watanabe said Howell told authorities the child's ingestion of caustic chemicals, once on May 25 and again on May 28, was accidental. Watanabe maintained the Warner Springs woman purposely served the poison to the toddler.

Howell's son suffered internal damage so severe he risks choking every time he drinks water, according to the child's doctor, who testified at a key pretrial hearing for Howell on Tuesday.'