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A Cuban national in Miami has been arrested and charged with child abuse, child neglect and arson following an August 16 incident at her residence. Meliza Campos-Sanchez faces two counts of child neglect, one count of child abuse and one arson charge, according to court documents. The defendant will undergo a court-ordered mental-competency evaluation as part of the legal proceedings.
Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to reports of an intentional kitchen fire at a Miami home. Investigators discovered that Campos-Sanchez, a social media influencer with 87,000 Instagram followers, had posted videos showing her pouring melted candle wax on herself and on at least one of her daughters’ hands. Additional video evidence allegedly depicted her singing and dancing in the kitchen before igniting clothing with a lighter.
According to the criminal complaint, Campos-Sanchez told her two daughters, ages 3 and 6, not to be frightened before placing hot candle wax on one child’s hand. The affidavit indicates the child sustained no visible injuries from the incident. One daughter reportedly told an arson-squad detective that she witnessed her mother burn a shirt inside the residence while both children were present.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement lodged an immigration detainer with the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center one day after Campos-Sanchez’s arrest. According to DHS, Campos-Sanchez illegally entered the United States through Florida in May 2022. ICE requested that local officials notify federal immigration authorities before her release to facilitate potential federal custody.
During her initial court appearance, the defendant’s legal representation requested a competency evaluation, and the judge ordered assessments by two Spanish-speaking physicians. Court documents indicate that Campos-Sanchez’s husband had previously sought assistance and contacted police due to concerns about her mental state. Family members reported that she had been prescribed medication but discontinued its use.
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