Woman sued in fire death of foster child

PEORIA -- After suffering severe burns in a failed effort to save the 11-month-old foster child she was hoping to adopt, a 50-year-old Peoria woman is now facing a new ordeal.

Valerie Edwards is being sued by the birth mother of Anariah West, who died the morning of December 26 when their house was destroyed by fire. Edwards now faces nearly $1 million in medical bills, having been through several surgeries and only needing more.

Edwards was informed by letter last month that she is being sued by Tanesha West. The birth mother is claiming damages in excess of $50,000 for the wrongful death of the baby.

Though Edwards and her husband had custody of Anariah and intended to adopt her, West was seeking to regain custody.

Peter LaSorsa, West's attorney, said he won't comment on the case.