Miami, Florida — A 33-year-old Florida man is in critical condition after a woman allegedly doused him with an accelerant and set him on fire following an argument, leaving him with severe burns across more than 80% of his body, according to police.
Tanisha Shelton, 45, was taken into custody after the incident, which occurred Saturday in Miami-Dade County. Authorities say the alleged attack followed a heated dispute between Shelton and Nathaniel Devon Mathis earlier in the day.
According to a police report obtained by CBS, Mathis suffered extensive burns and was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital. Medical staff reportedly determined that he had second- and third-degree burns over approximately 80% of his body. Officials said he was not expected to survive.
Florida Woman Allegedly Threatened Man Before Attack
Investigators say Shelton and Mathis had been involved in a heated argument several hours before the alleged attack.
According to the police report, the dispute escalated before Shelton left the area. Authorities allege that she threatened to return with someone who would attack Mathis.
The situation reportedly took a more serious turn when Shelton returned hours later.
Police allege that she was carrying a bucket containing a plastic bag filled with an accelerant. She then reportedly approached a witness and asked to borrow a lighter.
According to investigators, Shelton subsequently poured the accelerant on Mathis and set him on fire.
The allegations are part of the ongoing criminal investigation. Authorities have not provided additional details about what triggered the original dispute or the events immediately preceding the alleged attack.
Emergency Crews Find Man With Severe Burns
Emergency crews responded at approximately 6 p.m. to the intersection of Northwest 63rd Street and Northwest 25th Avenue in Miami.
According to authorities, responders found Mathis unconscious and suffering from severe burns.
He was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital for emergency treatment. Medical staff determined that his injuries included second- and third-degree burns covering approximately 80% of his body.
Burn injuries of this extent can require intensive medical care and may lead to life-threatening complications. Officials described Mathis as being in critical condition and said he was not expected to survive.
Authorities have not provided a subsequent update on his condition in the information available from the initial report.
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Witnesses Help Police Identify Suspect
Police say witnesses played an important role in identifying Shelton after the alleged attack.
According to the report, one witness used pepper spray against Shelton as she attempted to leave the scene. Other witnesses provided identifying information that helped investigators locate her and take her into custody.
The accounts collected by police are part of the evidence being examined as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Investigators have not publicly disclosed further details about the evidence recovered at the scene or whether additional witnesses are expected to be interviewed.
Attempted Murder and Arson Charges
Shelton was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, according to jail records cited in the report. She faces attempted murder and arson charges in connection with the alleged incident.
The charges reflect the seriousness of the accusations, but the allegations have not been proven in court. Shelton is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty through the legal process.
The initial report stated that attorney information for Shelton was not available. Further details about her court proceedings and any response to the allegations were not provided.
Investigation Continues After Alleged Fire Attack
The case remains a serious criminal investigation as authorities examine the events leading up to the alleged attack and the evidence gathered at the scene.
Investigators’ account describes a dispute that allegedly escalated hours later into an attack that left Mathis with extensive, potentially fatal injuries.
Authorities have not released additional information about a possible motive beyond the reported argument between the two individuals.
Further updates may clarify Mathis’s medical condition, the evidence supporting the charges and the next steps in the legal proceedings.
What are your thoughts on this case? Share your views in the comments, and let us know what questions you think investigators should answer as the case moves forward.
