Rotesha Silveus (Tampa Police Department).
In harrowing 911 audio, 18-year-old Natavia Sanders told the dispatcher, “I was strangled.” She said her mother did it.
On May 11, 2024, in Tampa, Florida, law enforcement officers responded to a call involving the defendant, 39-year-old Rotesha Silveus, who was attempting to block them from entering the residence. Despite her efforts, the officers managed to enter and found Sanders in an unresponsive state inside.
‘F—, man, we got somebody on the floor, bro,” an officer said in bodycam footage.
According to cops, Tampa Fire Rescue took Sanders to a nearby hospital in critical condition, but she died two days later.
Once Silveus was placed in the police vehicle, she was observed handcuffed with her hands behind her back, lying face down in the backseat, experiencing involuntary body movements. Authorities instructed her to sit up for a search, during which she seemed alert but was breathing heavily and gazing off.
Authorities redacted what she told police. She is charged with first-degree murder.
Subsequent investigations, which included interviews with individuals present at the scene, led the police to conclude that Natavia had suffered injuries consistent with those caused by strangulation.
“This is a heartbreaking case,” Chief Lee Bercaw said at the time. “Our deepest condolences go out to all those who knew and loved Natavia. The hard work of our detectives is a demonstration of our commitment to ensuring justice is served in this matter.”
Silveus was found incompetent for trial but was later “restored to competence,” court records show.
A hearing is set for May 14.
