Florida mother arrested after posting videos of setting kitchen fire and dousing daughters with hot wax

Miami fire crews were called to a kitchen fire at the residence of 26-year-old Meliza Campos-Sanchez on Sunday, following a prior report from her estranged husband expressing fear for the children’s welfare. While responding, authorities found a silver mask, a lighter and a container of flammable liquid, and later uncovered two Instagram videos in which Campos-Sanchez, wearing the mask, danced around the kitchen, set a fire with a lighter, and poured liquid onto a pile of clothing.

In the footage she also poured hot wax from a lit candle onto her chest and onto her two daughters, who were crying. The eldest daughter testified that she and her sister saw their mother start the blaze, throw a glass mug, and then extinguish the flames with a bowl of water. Police learned the mother had attempted suicide shortly before the incident. Campos-Sanchez was arrested the following day and charged with child abuse, child neglect and first-degree arson.