A mother accused of recording disturbing videos involving her two young daughters, including one showing hot wax being poured on the children, will remain behind bars for now.
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Meliza Campos Sanchez is facing serious charges, including arson and child abuse. But on Friday, her family came to her defense, raising concerns about her mental health.
Police say Campos Sanchez recorded herself burning articles of clothing inside her kitchen and pouring hot wax on her own body and on her two young daughters.
“She was simply not in her right state of mind. She didn’t realize what she was doing,” one of her cousins told NBC6 in Spanish.
The family says Campos Sanchez needs medical help.
More than a dozen relatives and supporters came to court for Friday’s hearing. From inside the courtroom, Campos Sanchez appeared to smile, giggle and make a heart with her hands.
Her husband, Yusniel Cue, says he tried to get help for his wife before the alleged crimes occurred.
“I called the police three times about her mental health, and they never helped,” Cue said. “They told me that until she committed a crime, they couldn’t do anything.”
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NBC6 reached out to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office for comment on the husband’s allegations and is awaiting a response.
On Friday, prosecutors were set to argue for the mother to be kept in jail until trial. However, the hearing was reset since defense attorneys raised concerns about Campos Sanchez’s competency.
“Defense has raised competency, so at this time the court will order two competency evaluations,” Judge Christine Hernandez said.
Two doctors will evaluate the defendant and determine whether Campos Sanchez is mentally competent to proceed with her court hearings.
For now, she will remain in jail.
Meanwhile, NBC6 was told the two young girls are safe and staying with family.
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, help is available by calling or texting 988.
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If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.