https://theworldwatch.com/categories/crime-lawlessness/ Thu 20 Aug 2026 07:19:59 +0200 https://theworldwatch.com/videos/1618856/florida-mom-pours-hot-wax-on-terrified-daughters-sets-clothes-ablaze-for-views/
A Florida mother in her 20s is facing multiple felony charges after social media videos showed her inflicting physical harm on her two daughters. Meliza Campos-Sanchez posted videos on Instagram, where she has over 57,000 followers, where she can be seen pouring hot candle wax on the children and setting fire to clothing inside their home while the children are present. The 26-year-old mother was arrested on Monday by Miami authorities and was charged with multiple felony charges, including one count of first-degree arson and three counts of child abuse, according to court records. According to a probable cause affidavit, “One video shows the defendant in the kitchen of her home, using lit candles to pour hot melted candle wax on her own leg, and then in the hands of her two daughters.” The children appear visibly terrified as she continues with the dangerous act. The children sob and plead with her not to pour wax on them. In another video, she can be seen wearing a silver mask, a short burgundy dress, and black underwear while “dancing seductively” and singing in Spanish in her kitchen with a red wand lighter in hand. Investigators reported that she then dropped two black articles of clothing onto the kitchen floor, soaked them with liquid from a clear plastic bottle, and ignited them using the lighter. The video captures a “large flashover of orange flame.” She then took a glass mug and threw it in the flames. The mug broke. She ignored the burning flames and continued to dance. Campos-Sanchez “lifted her dress to her chest” before removing the mask. The suspect’s six-year-old daughter told detectives she and her sister were in the laundry room next to the kitchen. They saw their mother set fire to the ground. “Afterwards, (the six-year-old) stated that her mother brought her and her sister into the kitchen, and began pouring what she describes as ‘HOT WATER OR AGUA’ from the lit candles (melted candle wax) on herself, (the 6-year-old), and her sister,” the affidavit states. After the flames were put out, she threw wax on her children. The investigation began after Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and local sheriff’s deputies responded to a reported residence fire at Campos-Sanchez’s residence. First responders arrived at the scene and discovered charring and physical damage in the center of the tiled kitchen floor. Investigators also recovered evidence from the scene, including a silver mask, a red wand lighter, and a clear plastic condiment bottle suspected of containing rubbing alcohol, according to a probable cause affidavit. Her husband had been away from home. He told detectives that he had been staying with the suspect’s in-laws for a week before the incident occurred. He added that the two had been facing rough patches in their marriage and that his wife tried to take her own life at some point in the past. Campos-Sanchez was first taken to a hospital and placed under a temporary mental health hold under the Baker Act. After her release from the medical facility, Campos-Sanchez was taken into custody by deputies and booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Institution. She is scheduled to appear before a judge on Tuesday for a bond hearing. ]]> Wed 19 Aug 2026 18:21:03 +0200 https://theworldwatch.com/videos/1618856/florida-mom-pours-hot-wax-on-terrified-daughters-sets-clothes-ablaze-for-views/ https://theworldwatch.com/videos/1618846/man-killed-during-an-encounter-with-the-owner-of-aces-bail-bonds-in-spokane-wa/
"My name is Autumn Smith, widow of Christopher Scott Smith. I am writing to bring attention to his preventable death and the failures that allowed it to happen. For nearly three years, I have searched for answers—reviewing evidence, obtaining public records, and trying to understand why the agencies responsible for protecting the public did not prevent this outcome. On September 2, 2023, my husband, Christopher Scott Smith—the father of two of my children—was killed during an encounter with the owner of Aces Bail Bonds in Spokane, Washington. I believe his death resulted from an unlawful and unjustified use of force. Afterward, I began my own investigation and obtained video footage showing the moments before and after the incident. What I saw raised serious questions about the official account. The footage shows bail bondsman Rodger Betschart alone, with no law enforcement present, circling the residence where Chris and his girlfriend, Jennifer, had just moved in. When Chris stepped outside with a friend, Betschart pulled up, stopped in the street, and moments later was on top of Chris, striking him with an object witnesses later identified as the butt of a taser. Christopher’s autopsy documented severe injuries, including a broken nose and crushed eye socket, consistent with repeated blows from a blunt object. Those injuries match the witness statements what is visible in one of the many the videos. Betschart then used an armbar tactic and handcuffed Chris while witnesses heard Chris yelling for him to stop. In the midst the commotion, Chris’s friend ran inside to alert Jennifer. She rushed out with pepper spray, unaware that the man beating Chris was a bondsman. Betschart is required to wear a specific uniform under RCW 18.185.300; which was not visible when Jennifer acted in defense of Chris. She sprayed Betschart and immediately ran back toward the apartment. As she ran, Betschart fired two shots at her running away. When Betschart rolled over, Chris had managed to get to his feet. Betschart then shot him in the abdomen, causing Chris to fall on top of him. Chris tried to save himself, but Betschart shot him again, causing him to fall to his side. Betschart then pushed Chris to the ground, positioned himself behind him, and fired four more shots into his back while standing over him. In the video, Chris can be heard screaming for help as each shot is fired several seconds apart. He tried to crawl away why begged for mercy. All of this is on video. Despite the video, witness statements, and physical evidence, the incident was ruled self-defense. I cannot reconcile that conclusion with what I have seen. A Tacoma man was recently sentenced to 70 years for a similar shooting. Yet in Spokane, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, the Spokane Police Department, and the State of Washington have not been held accountable for their negligence. The Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office refused to meaningfully engage with me. Lead Detective Chad Erdman treated Betschart like a colleague rather than a suspect. The interview in my opinion was coached and guided. The defense attorney had already spoke to the prosecutor. Nothing Rodger said matched what was seen in the video. He claims self-defense but the only injury he had was scrapped knees and busted knuckles, which is consistent with what's in the video. Rodger says he only shot Chris 1 time and he knows this because he “wasn’t trying to kill him” FBI Agent Christian Parker stated the incident was in no way self-defense and was disturbed by Erdman’s conclusion. Meanwhile, Betschart—who killed my husband—is still licensed, still armed, still operating Aces Bail Bonds, and still a danger to the Spokane community. During my investigation, I also learned that in January 2023, Betschart pled guilty to an assault charge and entered an SOC (similar to a deferred sentence). That SOC was active when he fatally shot Christopher. On September 7, just five days after the shooting, court documents signed by Judge Michelle Szambelan listed the charge as 2nd Degree Murder (RCW 9A.32.050). These facts raise critical questions: Were prior complaints against Betschart submitted to the DOL properly investigated? Why was this case not handled like any other fatal shooting? Why was someone with a recent violent conviction allowed to continue working as a bail recovery agent? Why did the Department of Licensing ignore RCW 18.185.020, RCW 18.185.110, and RCW 18.185.115? Professional licensing exists to protect the public. When credible complaints are ignored or inadequately investigated, the system fails—and people get hurt. Had those complaints been properly addressed, I believe my husband might still be alive. I also believe the Spokane Police Department failed to conduct a fair and objective investigation. Witness statements supporting Chris’s account were ignored. Evidence contradicting the official narrative was overlooked. Portions of the police reports conflict with what is clearly visible in the video. This letter is not about revenge. It is about accountability. Christopher mattered. He was a partner, father, brother, son, and uncle. He was loved. He deserved the same protection under the law as every other citizen. No family should have to investigate their loved one’s death because they believe authorities failed to do so honestly. No family should have to fight for years just to have evidence considered. And no citizen should lose confidence that the truth matters simply because the person responsible held a license issued by the State. I am asking the Washington Attorney General, members of the Legislature, the media, and the people of Washington to examine this case for themselves. Watch the video. Read the records. Compare the evidence with the official reports. Ask whether justice was truly served. If the system fails my husband, it can fail another family tomorrow. I refuse to let Christopher’s life be forgotten. I will continue seeking the truth until every question is answered and every agency responsible for protecting the public is held accountable—whether for its actions or its failure to act. ]]> Wed 19 Aug 2026 13:53:03 +0200 https://theworldwatch.com/videos/1618846/man-killed-during-an-encounter-with-the-owner-of-aces-bail-bonds-in-spokane-wa/ https://theworldwatch.com/videos/1618828/shop-owners-need-to-have-shotgun-at-the-ready-for-these-people/
]]> Wed 19 Aug 2026 09:39:04 +0200 https://theworldwatch.com/videos/1618828/shop-owners-need-to-have-shotgun-at-the-ready-for-these-people/ https://theworldwatch.com/videos/1618818/crazy-black-man-tries-to-steal-patrol-car-while-carrying-a-baby-in-his-arms/
Detroit ]]> Tue 18 Aug 2026 13:42:06 +0200 https://theworldwatch.com/videos/1618818/crazy-black-man-tries-to-steal-patrol-car-while-carrying-a-baby-in-his-arms/ https://theworldwatch.com/videos/1618813/store-looted-in-compton-after-a-street-takeover/
CA ]]> Tue 18 Aug 2026 11:37:04 +0200 https://theworldwatch.com/videos/1618813/store-looted-in-compton-after-a-street-takeover/ https://theworldwatch.com/videos/1618809/dunkin-erupts-into-total-chaos-as-teens-brawl-with-employees/
A Reading, Pennsylvania Dunkin’ descended into absolute mayhem when a heated “he said, she said” dispute exploded into a wild physical brawl with punches flying and people surging toward the service counter. The confrontation quickly spiraled out of control as store fixtures, containers and countertop items were hurled across the restaurant, leaving debris scattered across the floor while employees and customers were caught in the middle of the chaos. ]]> Tue 18 Aug 2026 10:14:05 +0200 https://theworldwatch.com/videos/1618809/dunkin-erupts-into-total-chaos-as-teens-brawl-with-employees/ https://theworldwatch.com/videos/1618808/dashcam-camera-captures-a-female-uber-driver-was-robbed-by-men-who-had-requested-a-pi/
South Africa ]]> Tue 18 Aug 2026 08:14:04 +0200 https://theworldwatch.com/videos/1618808/dashcam-camera-captures-a-female-uber-driver-was-robbed-by-men-who-had-requested-a-pi/ https://theworldwatch.com/videos/1618806/another-daylight-mob-assault-in-nyc-pack-of-kids-beats-lone-teen-as-bystanders-watch/
Another Daylight Mob Assault in NYC: Pack of Kids Beats Lone Teen as Bystanders Watch ]]> Tue 18 Aug 2026 07:24:03 +0200 https://theworldwatch.com/videos/1618806/another-daylight-mob-assault-in-nyc-pack-of-kids-beats-lone-teen-as-bystanders-watch/ https://theworldwatch.com/videos/1618796/i-start-a-black-militia-california-elementary-staffer-posts-disturbing-videos/
MADERA, Calif. — Madera Unified School District announced that a staff member has been issued a temporary restraining order after posting disturbing videos. MUSD wrote on social media that a staff member from Lincoln Elementary posted those videos. Multiple people reported the content to police, the district. Those two videos show a woman loading a shotgun and pretending to shoot. The same video shows a person loading a magazine into a handgun. A second video has a woman stating she is starting "A black militia" and wants to rob white people. In response, district leaders coordinated with Madera Police to ensure the safety of the staff member and the surrounding community. Authorities conducted a home visit, which resulted in a temporary restraining order and an ongoing investigation. MUSD and the Madera Police Department completed a safety review to enhance security at Lincoln Elementary. The staff members have also been put on leave as the investigation continues. ]]> Mon 17 Aug 2026 18:33:03 +0200 https://theworldwatch.com/videos/1618796/i-start-a-black-militia-california-elementary-staffer-posts-disturbing-videos/ https://theworldwatch.com/videos/1618794/man-steals-flock-camera-still-attached-to-12-foot-pole-while-draped-in-american-flag/
Florida ]]> Mon 17 Aug 2026 18:15:02 +0200 https://theworldwatch.com/videos/1618794/man-steals-flock-camera-still-attached-to-12-foot-pole-while-draped-in-american-flag/ https://theworldwatch.com/videos/1618788/absolute-chaos-broke-out-at-the-wisconsin-state-fair-as-teens-began-beating-anyone/
MULTIPLE police officers were badly beaten, as families with kids were seen RUNNING FOR THEIR LIVES as teens began brawling ]]> Mon 17 Aug 2026 13:52:05 +0200 https://theworldwatch.com/videos/1618788/absolute-chaos-broke-out-at-the-wisconsin-state-fair-as-teens-began-beating-anyone/ https://theworldwatch.com/videos/1618786/the-migrant-woman-trying-to-sell-refreshments-was-going-for-this-i-left-venezuela/
NYC ]]> Mon 17 Aug 2026 13:08:03 +0200 https://theworldwatch.com/videos/1618786/the-migrant-woman-trying-to-sell-refreshments-was-going-for-this-i-left-venezuela/