Nathalie Belizaire (Miami‑Dade Corrections via WPLG). Background: The cruise ship Carnival Horizon departs Miami as seen from Miami Beach on Saturday, May 25, 2024. Carnival Horizon is a Vista‑class vessel operated by Carnival Cruise Line. (AP/NewsBase)
A Florida woman allegedly abandoned her four children,including an infant and a toddler,at home for the weekend so she could attend a Carnival cruise to the Bahamas.
Belizaire, 29, now faces four counts of child neglect.
North Miami Beach police arrived around 8 p.m. Saturday at an apartment in the 1400 block of N.E. 170th Street to conduct a welfare check. The father of Belizaire’s two‑month‑old entered the apartment and discovered the infant and the other children unattended, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by Law&Crime.
The father reported that a WhatsApp message from Belizaire appeared to show a Carnival cruise ticket, prompting his suspicion. He told Belizaire she would leave the children with a relative, but the relative denied receiving them.
Upon reaching the apartment, the father observed the television light shining through the blinds and heard voices from the children. He then called police.
Officers entered the residence and found the four children concealed in the bathroom; the affidavit confirmed they were unharmed.
Belizaire’s brother testified that she had texted him, asking him to check on the children, but he had not arrived when officers arrived.
Police attempted to contact Belizaire repeatedly, but she did not answer any calls, the affidavit states.
Investigators determined that Belizaire departed on Friday for the three‑day cruise. When she returned to port on Sunday, police were waiting to apprehend her.
She was arrested, refused to speak with investigators, and remains detained in the Miami‑Dade County Jail. No bond has been set, and her next court appearance has not been scheduled.
Florida’s Department of Children and Families is also conducting an investigation.
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