A Florida mother has been arrested and charged with child abuse, child neglect, and arson after allegedly filming herself pouring hot wax on her two daughters and starting a fire in her Miami kitchen. The incident came to light after fire crews responded to a blaze at the home on Sunday.
Authorities discovered videos shared by the 26-year-old mother, Meliza Campos-Sanchez, on her Instagram account. One video depicted her dancing in her kitchen wearing a silver mask, holding a lighter, and pouring a liquid onto clothes, which then ignited. Another clip showed her pouring hot wax from a lit candle onto her own chest and then onto her daughters.
According to an affidavit, the eldest daughter told police that she and her sister witnessed their mother start the fire and throw a glass mug on the floor while dancing. The children reported that their mother extinguished the flames with a bowl of water.
Investigators reportedly found a silver mask, flammable liquid, and a lighter at the residence. Campos-Sanchez was arrested on Monday.
Campos-Sanchez's estranged husband informed investigators that the couple was experiencing marital issues and that he was staying with his parents. He also stated that his wife had attempted suicide shortly before the incident and that he had contacted the sheriff's office a week prior, expressing fears for his children's safety.