Mother Charged With Murder In Daughter's Death: Tampa Police

TAMPA, FL — A woman who strangled her 18-year-old daughter to death earlier this month was charged with murder, according to a Tampa Police Department news release.

Natavia Sanders called police in the early hours of May 11 saying that she “just woke up from being passed out” after her mother, Rotesha Silveus, 38, strangled her, the department said. The call was then disconnected.

While communications staff tried to reconnect with Sanders, officers were sent to their home in the 1900 block of E. 23rd Avenue

Officers spoke with Silveus, who initially refused to cooperate. After a brief struggle they were able to detain her and find Sanders, who was unresponsive inside the home, police said.

They immediately began conducting CPR. Tampa Fire Rescue brought Sanders to a nearby hospital in critical condition.

Silveus was arrested and brought to Orient Road Jail, where she was charged with resisting an officer with violence and aggravated battery with great bodily harm.

Her daughter died on May 13. The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled her death a homicide.

During the investigation that followed, including interviews with witnesses, it was determined that Sanders had sustained injuries consistent with strangulation.

On May 24, the charges against Silveus were upgraded to first-degree murder. She remains in Orient Road Jail.

"This is a heartbreaking case," Chief Lee Bercaw said. "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."