Miami-Dade Deputy Fatally Shoots Woman During Mental Health Crisis Call

Family demands answers as state investigates the use of deadly force

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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A 52-year-old woman was fatally shot by a Miami-Dade Sheriff's deputy on Saturday afternoon after authorities responded to a call about a mental health crisis at her Miami Gardens home. The woman's family is questioning the use of deadly force, as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement has opened an investigation into the shooting.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the challenges law enforcement faces when responding to mental health emergencies, and the need for improved de-escalation training and crisis intervention protocols to prevent the use of lethal force in such situations. The family's calls for answers and accountability also reflect broader concerns about police use of force, particularly against people of color and those experiencing mental health crises.

The details

According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to a call about a woman with a knife who was reportedly cutting herself at a residence. When they arrived, they attempted to de-escalate the situation, but ultimately tased the woman and a deputy fired their service weapon, striking and killing her. The woman's 12-year-old daughter was home at the time and made the initial call for help.

  • The incident occurred around 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2026.
  • The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has opened an investigation into the shooting, as is standard protocol whenever a deputy fires their weapon.

The players

Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency responsible for the shooting incident.

Assistant Sheriff Eric Garcia

A spokesperson for the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office who provided details about the incident.

The 52-year-old woman

The victim of the fatal shooting, whose name has not been released.

The woman's 12-year-old daughter

The daughter who made the initial call for help and was present during the incident.

The woman's older daughter

The victim's other daughter who was on the phone with her younger sister when the shooting occurred.

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What they’re saying

“I hear two gunshots, two gunshots in a house with no gun. I don't have a gun. My dad is out of the country and it's just my little sister and mom in the room.”

— The woman's older daughter (CBS News Miami)

“They're unqualified. That is insane, and they're not respecting us because we're asking them and nobody knows... where is my sister?”

— A family member (CBS News Miami)

“These are situations and calls for service in which our deputies are constantly training for situations with individuals that may be experiencing a mental health crisis, and in this situation here they attempted to establish that dialogue with that individual but it was unsuccessful.”

— Assistant Sheriff Eric Garcia (CBS News Miami)

What’s next

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has opened an investigation into the shooting, as is standard protocol whenever a deputy fires their weapon. The investigation will seek to determine the circumstances that led to the use of deadly force and whether it was justified.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the need for law enforcement to be better equipped and trained to handle mental health crises, with a focus on de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques to prevent the use of lethal force. The family's calls for answers and accountability reflect broader concerns about police use of force, particularly against vulnerable populations, and the importance of transparency and accountability in such cases.