TAMPA, FL – Chilling audio from a 911 call captures the desperate voice of 18-year-old Natavia Sanders alleging her mother strangled her. This call prompted a swift police response on May 11, 2024, at the family’s home in Tampa, where the situation took a tragic turn.

Officers arrived to find Rotesha Silveus, 39, attempting to prevent their entry. After forcing their way inside, they discovered Sanders unresponsive on the floor. Body camera footage records an officer’s urgent reaction upon finding her.

Sanders was rushed by Tampa Fire Rescue to a local hospital in critical condition. Despite their efforts, she succumbed to her injuries two days later, according to police reports.

Silveus was apprehended, and as she sat handcuffed in a patrol car, officers noted her staring blankly and breathing heavily. Her statements to police were redacted from official reports, but she faces a charge of first-degree murder.

Investigators linked Sanders’ death to injuries consistent with strangulation, confirmed by interviews with witnesses and subsequent examinations, authorities reported.

Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw expressed his condolences, acknowledging the profound tragedy of the incident. He praised the detectives for their dedication to ensuring justice for Sanders.

Initially deemed incompetent for trial, Silveus was later declared competent following mental health evaluations, allowing judicial proceedings to move forward, according to court documents.

As the community mourns, attention turns to the upcoming court hearing scheduled for May 14, where the details surrounding the case will continue to unfold.