Alpine

The driver of a stolen van that exploded in flames and killed a 2-year-old girl was ordered Monday to stand trial for murder, arson and child abuse.

After a daylong preliminary hearing, San Diego Municipal Judge Richard Hanscom also ordered Michael Ray Roberts, 36, to stand trial on charges of auto theft and receiving stolen property.

The Sept. 1 blaze involving a parked van on Interstate 8 near Alpine may have been caused by chemicals used to make methamphetamine, according to the prosecutor. Killed was Brittany Lee Cook, who would have turned 3 last month. Her mother, Barbara Cook, 35, of El Cajon, barely escaped the fire and was restrained by onlookers from trying to rescue her daughter from the burning vehicle.

Cook, who was not prosecuted, testified Monday that Roberts remarked earlier that he would be going to the desert to cook some methamphetamine after getting the appropriate chemicals and glassware.

Roberts, who is being held in County Jail in lieu of $150,000 bail, will return to court Dec. 10 for a trial date.