Case Summary
- Case Type
- Homicide
- Incident Date
- Saturday
- Incident Time
- 6 p.m.
- Location
- Northwest 63rd Street and 25th Avenue, Northwest Miami-Dade, FL
- Investigating Agency
- WSVN Miami
- Suspect
- Tanisha Shelton
- Suspect Age
- 45
- Victim Count
- 1
- Charges
- attempted murder, arson
- Arrest Status
- Arrested without incident
- Case Status
- Active investigation
A Northwest Miami-Dade woman has been arrested and charged with attempted murder and arson after authorities said she allegedly set a man on fire during an attack on Saturday evening, leaving the victim in extremely critical condition at a local hospital.
The violent incident unfolded in the Northwest Miami-Dade area, drawing a rapid emergency response from local law enforcement deputies who located the severely injured victim unconscious near a busy intersection before taking the female suspect into custody following an area search.
Incident Overview
According to a release from WSVN Miami, the violent encounter occurred on Saturday in the vicinity of Northwest 63rd Street and 25th Avenue. Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office deputies responding to the scene discovered 33-year-old Nathaniel Devon Mathis unconscious and suffering from severe burns. Investigators determined that 80 percent of the victim's body had been burned in the attack. Emergency medical personnel rushed Mathis to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he remains hospitalized in extremely critical condition.
Timeline of Events
- Saturday around 6 p.m.: Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office deputies respond to the area of Northwest 63rd Street and 25th Avenue and find the victim unconscious.
- Saturday evening: Emergency responders transport Nathaniel Devon Mathis to Jackson Memorial Hospital in extremely critical condition with burns covering 80 percent of his body.
- Saturday evening: Law enforcement personnel conduct an area search and locate the suspect, identifying her as 45-year-old Tanisha Shelton, and take her into custody without incident.
Suspect Information
The accused individual has been identified as 45-year-old Tanisha Shelton. According to authorities, Shelton was located during an area search conducted by law enforcement officers following the reported attack. Police confirmed that she was taken into custody without incident.
Victim Information
The victim in this case has been identified as 33-year-old Nathaniel Devon Mathis. According to reporting from WSVN Miami, Mathis sustained severe injuries during the incident, with burns covering 80 percent of his body. He is currently receiving intensive medical care in extremely critical condition at Jackson Memorial Hospital.
Police Response
Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office deputies responded to the scene following reports of the incident, locating the unconscious victim near Northwest 63rd Street and 25th Avenue. Responding units coordinated emergency medical treatment and transport for the victim while simultaneously initiating a search of the surrounding neighborhood to locate the perpetrator.
Investigation
The investigation into the violent encounter is being handled by local law enforcement authorities. Deputies and investigators processed the scene of the incident near Northwest 63rd Street and 25th Avenue, gathered witness statements and physical details, and executed an area search that successfully led to the apprehension of the suspect.
Evidence Collected
- Physical and forensic evidence gathered at the scene near Northwest 63rd Street and 25th Avenue.
- Medical and forensic evaluations detailing the extent of the victim's burn injuries.
Arrest Details
Tanisha Shelton was located by law enforcement officers during an area search conducted shortly after the discovery of the victim. Police confirmed that the 45-year-old suspect was taken into custody without incident.
Charges Filed
- Attempted murder: A serious felony charge alleging the intentional and unlawful attempt to cause the death of another human being.
- Arson: A felony offense involving the malicious and intentional burning of property or, in this context, inflicting severe burn injuries via fire or explosive means.
Court Information
Court records and docket numbers were not released in the initial source reports. Additional information regarding upcoming judicial proceedings and court appearances will be made available through the local court system as the case progresses.
Statements from Authorities
According to reports from WSVN Miami, police stated that deputies found the victim unconscious in the area of Northwest 63rd Street and 25th Avenue around 6 p.m. and subsequently located the suspect during an area search.
Public Safety Information
Community members with information related to violent crimes or local emergencies are encouraged to contact local law enforcement authorities immediately. For individuals in crisis or affected by traumatic violence, support services are available nationwide. You can reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or contact emergency services by dialing 911 in the event of an immediate threat.
What Happens Next
Following the arrest, the accused individual typically undergoes an initial appearance or arraignment where formal charges are presented, legal representation is addressed, and bond determinations are made by a judge. The case will then proceed through the pre-trial discovery and hearing phases in the court system.
