Following a psychiatric evaluation, a Miami-Dade judge has declared Meliza Campos Sánchez, a 26-year-old Cuban woman, mentally fit to stand trial. She faces serious allegations of pouring hot wax on her daughter's hands and intentionally setting a fire in her home's kitchen.
Judge Christine Hernandez ordered the psychiatric assessment, which involved two Spanish-speaking doctors determining whether Campos Sánchez could comprehend the legal proceedings and assist in her defense, as reported by Telemundo 51.
With this evaluation completed, the trial can now proceed in Florida's judicial system, and her next court appearance is scheduled for six weeks from now, according to the news outlet.
The Social Media Revelation
The case gained public attention in August 2026 when videos emerged on Campos Sánchez's Instagram account. Known as the "Realtor without filters," she had amassed tens of thousands of followers. In one video, she is seen pouring melted wax on her own leg and then onto her three-year-old daughter's hands, telling the child, "The fears you feel today will be your strength tomorrow." The child responded, "That burns."
Fire Incident in Miami-Dade
The key incident occurred on August 16 in a southwest Miami-Dade home. Campos Sánchez reportedly used a lighter to set fire to clothing soaked in flammable liquid while her young children were inside. A six-year-old managed to extinguish the flames with a water container.
Campos Sánchez was arrested the following day and initially taken to a hospital under Florida's Baker Act, which allows for involuntary emergency hospitalization for up to 72 hours, before being moved to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
Legal and Immigration Battles
Facing charges of first-degree arson, child abuse, and two counts of child neglect, a judge ordered her held without bail. Her estranged husband, Yusniel Cue, had reportedly called the police three times before the incident to warn them about her declining mental health, with no effective response.
"They told me that they couldn’t take her until a crime was committed," he stated to Univision. He initiated police involvement after friends sent him the wax video, prompting him to contact the Sheriff's Office.
Her family claims she was experiencing a mental health crisis and had stopped taking her medication. Her cousin, Aliuska Rodríguez, stated, "Many women are testifying that she is a good person, a very good mother, and that in her right mind, she would not have done this."
The case also involves an immigration aspect: The Department of Homeland Security disclosed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed a detainer on Campos, labeled as the "Miami Menace," with plans to deport her after the criminal process concludes.
Authorities noted that she entered the United States illegally through Florida in May 2022. Her two daughters are currently in their father's custody.
With the mental competency declaration in place, the next hearing is set for about six weeks from now.
Key Questions About Meliza Campos Sánchez's Legal Case
What charges is Meliza Campos Sánchez facing?
Meliza Campos Sánchez faces charges of first-degree arson, child abuse, and two counts of child neglect.
How did Campos Sánchez's mental health issues come to public attention?
Her mental health issues gained attention through videos she posted on Instagram, which depicted her pouring hot wax on her own leg and her daughter's hands, leading to public concern and legal action.
What is the immigration status of Campos Sánchez?
Campos Sánchez is subject to a detainer by ICE, with plans for deportation after her criminal proceedings, as she entered the U.S. illegally in May 2022.
When is her next court hearing scheduled?
Her next court hearing is set to occur approximately six weeks from the date of her mental competency declaration.