North Hollywood Man Charged in Baby Girl's Stabbing Death

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA -- A father accused of stabbing his toddler to death and setting their North Hollywood apartment ablaze pleaded not guilty Monday to charges of murder, assault on a child causing death and arson.

Noe Torres' arraignment was delayed until this morning because he was hospitalized following the Oct. 21 fire. The 48-year-old defendant is due back in court Dec. 6, when a date is expected to be set for a preliminary hearing to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.

Torres was reportedly drug-crazed and arguing with the girl's mother when he allegedly stabbed his 13-month-old daughter at about 11 a.m. in front of family members, then set a small fire inside the Vanowen Street apartment.

Prosecutors said Torres stabbed himself and then jumped out a back window while engulfed in flames. When police arrived, a kitchen knife was still in his body.

The toddler's mother took her to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Los Angeles police Capt. Steve Carmona said investigators found evidence that Torres had used drugs -- possibly methamphetamine.

Torres, who's being held on more than $2 million bail, faces up to 34 years to life in prison if convicted as charged.

City News Service; Photo: Shutterstock