Alyuska Rodríguez, cousin of Cuban Meliza Campos Sánchez, has stepped forward to defend her relative, calling for empathy in light of the widespread reactions to distressing videos that recently surfaced online. These videos led to the 26-year-old mother's arrest on charges of arson and child negligence.
Rodríguez shared insights with Telemundo 51 during a recent court hearing in Miami-Dade County, highlighting Meliza's ongoing mental health struggles, which the family claims had been affecting her well before the incident in question.
The Unseen Struggle Before the Incident
Rodríguez emphasized that the troubling events did not begin with the viral videos, pointing out that there were alarming signs long before. She revealed that Meliza's difficulties started in March, leading to a suicide attempt that was thwarted by her husband.
"Since March, Meliza has been showing signs of distress. She attempted to take her own life, but her husband arrived just in time, thank God," Rodríguez recounted.
Following this, a friend attempted to support Meliza by taking her to a doctor after being informed of her depression and poor state of mind. The family asserts that her behavior, which eventually caused alarm on social media, was preceded by months of mental health issues.
A Call for Compassion Amid Judgment
Rodríguez went beyond recounting the past months leading up to the arrest. She made a heartfelt plea to those who have viewed the videos and judged her cousin solely based on the surfaced events.
"She's not in her right mind. I urge everyone, please, to be humane and considerate of the fact that this young woman wasn't fully aware of her actions," she expressed to Telemundo 51.
Her words aim to shift public perception, urging people to consider the mental health crisis that, according to the family, Campos Sánchez is experiencing.
Family's Support and Legal Challenges
Family and friends rallied at the court to support the young woman, as her defense raised concerns about her mental competency to face the legal proceedings.
Meliza's husband, Yusniel Cue, also spoke to the media, disclosing his attempts to seek help for her before the events that led to her arrest. "The police didn't listen to me. I went to a psychiatrist, and they didn't help," Cue claimed.
He insisted that he had repeatedly asked for assistance, only to be told that intervention was not possible unless a crime was committed. The family's testimony highlights ongoing warnings and efforts to obtain help prior to the incident now leading to criminal charges against Campos Sánchez.
Details of the Incident
On August 16, firefighters and Miami-Dade Sheriff's deputies responded to an intentional fire at Campos Sánchez's home in southwest Miami-Dade. The police report states that she used a wand lighter to ignite a garment doused in flammable liquid, while her two daughters—aged three and six—were inside the house. The elder daughter managed to extinguish the flames with water.
Authorities also reviewed videos from Campos Sánchez’s social media, where she appeared as the "Unfiltered Realtor." One video showed her pouring hot wax on her three-year-old's hand, telling her, "The fears you feel today will be your strength tomorrow," to which the child replied, "That burns."
Another video depicted her setting clothes on fire while dancing and cursing at the camera, intensifying the social media backlash. Campos Sánchez was arrested the following day and initially taken to a hospital under Florida's Baker Act, which permits temporary involuntary hospitalization for individuals posing potential harm to themselves or others. She was later transferred to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
Assessing Mental Competency
The family's concerns have been noted in court, with the defense questioning Campos Sánchez's mental fitness to stand trial. The court has ordered two psychiatric evaluations to determine her competency before the case can proceed. During this time, she will remain in custody.
The results of these assessments will be crucial in determining her ability to understand the judicial process and participate in her defense. Meanwhile, her daughters are in their father's care and are reported to be well.
Potential Immigration Consequences
The case also involves immigration issues. After resolving the criminal charges, Campos Sánchez could face actions from immigration authorities. The Department of Homeland Security has placed a detainer on her, labeled "Miami Menace," intending to proceed against her upon the conclusion of the criminal case. Authorities state she entered the U.S. illegally in May 2022.
The next court hearing is set for September 11, 2026, when the results of the mental evaluations are expected to determine whether Campos Sánchez can continue to face the judicial process.
Understanding the Legal and Social Implications of Meliza Campos's Case
What charges is Meliza Campos facing?
Meliza Campos is facing charges of arson and child negligence following a viral incident involving her daughters.
How is her mental health being addressed in court?
The court has ordered two psychiatric evaluations to assess her mental competency to participate in the judicial process.
What is the potential impact on her immigration status?
Upon the conclusion of the criminal case, Meliza Campos may face immigration actions, as she entered the U.S. illegally in May 2022.