Owner of Rancho San Diego daycare center charged in toddler’s death

A Rancho San Diego daycare provider faces criminal charges following the death earlier this year of a toddler in her care, a well as a wrongful death suit from the child’s mother.

Stacey Lee Snow, 53, pleaded not guilty earlier this month to involuntary manslaughter in the death of the 16-month-old girl, who authorities said was found unresponsive after she’d been put down for a nap on April 8.

The Medical Examiner’s Office concluded that the girl asphyxiated, and the report indicated she’d had her head wedged between a plastic cot placed on top of a portable crib and the crib railing.

Snow pleaded not guilty in El Cajon Superior Court Dec. 8 to involuntary manslaughter for failing to perform a duty. She is also charged with child abuse. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 18. According to the District Attorney’s Office, she faces up to six years in custody if convicted on all charges.

Snow could not immediately be reached Tuesday for comment, and her defense attorney in the criminal matter did not respond to requests for comment.

It was not clear if she is represented by an attorney in the civil suit, which was filed Monday. The child’s mother is suing Snow and her business, Snow Angels Childcare and Preschool, alleging negligence and wrongful...