A 62-year-old woman originally from Cuba is facing serious legal trouble after being charged with five counts of attempted murder. This follows an alleged arson incident that endangered the lives of her neighbors in a southwestern Miami-Dade residence. The alarming incident took place last Thursday near Cutler Bay, leading to her arrest without bail, as reported by Local 10.
Identified as María Rosa Barillas, she was taken into custody on Monday night at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center after receiving medical treatment for burns and smoke inhalation at the Jackson South Medical Center. Court records indicate that Barillas, who was born in Cuba but raised in Miami-Dade County, is facing six felonies and one misdemeanor, including first-degree arson, five counts of attempted murder, and resisting arrest.
Incident Details
The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office reports that Barillas was residing in a shed on a property where five others lived. This included a couple residing in a Mallard travel trailer and a mother with her two children in a single-story, three-bedroom house. An investigator stated that Barillas used an "accelerant," an "open flame device," and "combustible materials" to ignite a fire on a bed inside the shed.
The fire quickly spread to the trailer and threatened the main house. Firefighters were called to the scene as the blaze dangerously moved from the shed to the trailer, causing significant damage to a white fence and a children's swing set in the yard. A detective involved in the case noted that Barillas was covered in soot at the time of her arrest, indicating her proximity to the fire. Additionally, police records reveal that the couple living in the trailer "narrowly escaped" the flames that eventually "consumed the trailer."
The motive behind Barillas' actions remains unclear, and it is not yet known if she suffers from any mental health issues.
Legal Proceedings
Following her partial recovery, Barillas was booked by corrections officers on Friday night, and state prosecutors formally filed charges against her the next day. A judge has denied her bail and ordered her to stay away from the five victims while legal proceedings are ongoing.
The arraignment is scheduled to be presided over by Miami-Dade County Circuit Judge William Altfield on June 20th at 9:00 a.m. As of the latest updates, no further information has been released about this unusual case.
Understanding the Legal Implications
What charges is María Rosa Barillas facing?
María Rosa Barillas faces six felonies, including first-degree arson and five counts of attempted murder, as well as one misdemeanor charge of resisting arrest.
Where and when did the alleged arson incident occur?
The alleged arson incident took place near Cutler Bay in southwest Miami-Dade County last Thursday.
Has a motive for the arson been identified?
As of now, no motive has been identified, and it is unclear if the accused has any mental health issues.