Trona Mother Arrested for Murder and Child Abuse After Fire Ignites While Children are Home Alone
DATE/TIME: Monday, January 16, 2023, 5:39 p.m.
INCIDENT: Homicide, Child Abuse Causing Great Bodily Injury
LOCATION: 13400 block of Athol Street, Trona
SUSPECT(S): Nikia Rain Magby, 26-year-old resident of Trona
VICTIM(S): Catalena Fusaro, 2-year-old Female (Deceased)
11-month-old Male
SUMMARY: On Monday, January 16, 2023, deputies responded to a call of two juveniles not breathing. Upon arriving, deputies discovered 2-year-old Catalena Fusaro and her 11-month-old brother had been pulled from their burning home and were not breathing. Life saving measures were performed on the children and they were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Catalena was pronounced deceased a short time later. The 11-month-old male was transported to a trauma center where he remains in critical condition.
Investigators from the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division, Homicide Detail, responded and are conducting the investigation. Detectives learned the children were home alone when the fire broke out. The children’s mother, Nikia Magby, was arrested and booked at High Desert Detention Center for murder and child abuse causing great bodily injury. The investigation is continuing and further information will be released when available.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Michael Roth, Specialized Investigations Division at (909) 890-4904. Callers can remain anonymous and contact We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.
Refer: Detective Michael Roth or Sergeant Justin Giles
Station: Specialized Investigations Division
Phone No. (909) 890-4904
Case No. DR#292300013 / H#2023-010
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
Address/Location
SBSD - Headquarters
655 E 3rd St
San Bernardino, CA 92408
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 909-387-3700