COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—A Colorado Springs woman has been ordered to stand trial after her 16-month-old daughter died and four other children were hurt in a fire.
Fourth Judicial District Judge Timothy Simmons on Wednesday ordered 25-year-old Maria Darlene Gardner to be held without bond in the El Paso County jail, pending trial.
Gardner, who also has been known as Maria Joseph, is charged with 17 counts ranging from first-degree murder to child abuse. Authorities have accused her of pouring gasoline on her five children and setting them on fire Jan. 28.
Sixteen-month-old Ashia Joseph died. The other four children, ranging in age from 3 to 9, were severely burned.
Gardner’s arraignment is set for June 5.
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Information from: The Gazette,
