ALBAWABA - A Florida mother has been detained after officials said frightening images shared on social media showed her pouring hot candle wax upon her two young girls and purposely setting garments on fire inside the family's Miami-area home.
Campos-Sanchez, 26, was charged with first-degree arson, child abuse and two counts of child neglect, according to arrest papers published by numerous U.S. media outlets. She was detained on Aug. 17. Initial social-media posts putting her as 32 appear to be wrong; police-related news puts her at 26.
Videos Lead Investigators to Gruesome Scene
An investigation followed Miami-Dade Fire Rescue’s response to a reported kitchen fire on Aug. 16. Investigators determined the fire was allegedly purposefully set with an open flame, combustible material and flammable liquid.
Authorities later found two videos purportedly posted by Campos-Sanchez on Instagram, where she reportedly had more than 50,000 followers.
In one video, a silver-masked woman was supposedly caught dancing in the kitchen with a lighter in her hand. She put a liquid thought to be rubbing alcohol on clothes on the floor and lit them on fire, investigators said.
Authorities then seized items from the property, including a silver mask, red lighter and a bottle holding a clear liquid, media citing the arrest affidavit said.
‘Hot Wax’ Poured on Girls, Ages 3 and 6
In a separate video, Campos-Sanchez allegedly poured melted candle wax over herself before drizzling it on the hands of her two girls, who were claimed to be 3 and 6 years old.
One of the children is said to be heard protesting while Campos-Sanchez advised the girls not to be scared, in some of the footage.
Investigators later interrogated the older daughter, who told them that she and her younger sister saw their mother burn clothes on fire in the kitchen and toss a glass mug while dancing.
The youngster informed detectives that her mother put out the flames with water before putting candle wax on both children and herself.
Husband Says He Warned Officials
Campos-Sanchez’s husband, Yusniel Cue, told investigators that the pair had been having marital troubles and he had been staying with his parents for about a week while his wife stayed at the residence with their girls.
In the affidavit, Cue said he phoned authorities the week before because he was concerned about the youngsters. He reportedly told detectives about a prior run-in with Campos-Sanchez and fears about her safety.
Cue was apparently told about the recent videos when one of his wife’s friends called him. When he arrived at the property, law enforcement and fire had already responded. Later the father of the children got custody of the two girls.
Mother Taken to Hospital Before Arrest
Campos-Sanchez was initially taken to a hospital for evaluation following the incident. Investigators attempted to question her there but said she was sedated and couldn’t talk to them at the time.
She was then taken into custody and charged with arson, child abuse and negligence. It was said she was being jailed without bond and instructed to keep away from her children.
The case has gained much internet interest because Campos-Sanchez reportedly had a large social media following and broadcast the footage herself.
The allegations remain in the judicial process and criminal charges do not establish guilt unless proven in a court of law.
