Florida friendship fallout leads to stalking, burglary, and threats, deputies say

Florida friendship fallout leads to stalking, burglary, and threats, deputies say

BROWARD COUNTY, FL – A yearslong friendship between two South Florida women unraveled into a series of alleged threats, break-ins, and property destruction that left one victim fearing for her safety and her home in ruins, according to Broward County court records. Authorities say the dispute escalated over several weeks, involving social media posts, confrontations, and an alleged coordinated attack on the victim’s residence.

Natasha Howell, 26, is charged with burglary of an unoccupied dwelling, aggravated stalking, writing a threat to kill, and criminal libel. Her co-defendant, 23-year-old Kassandra Mitiale, faces charges including burglary of an occupied dwelling, aggravated stalking, and criminal mischief involving more than $1,000 in damage. Court records show Mitiale’s charges were filed May 26, while Howell’s were filed July 13.

Escalating threats documented on social media

According to a probable cause statement, the victim told investigators she had been close friends with Howell since middle school in North Lauderdale, regularly spending time together and even babysitting Howell’s child. The relationship deteriorated around May, though the cause was not disclosed.

“Since the falling out, Natasha took to social media on multiple occasions and publicly spoke out against [the victim] causing tensions between the two to escalate,” the court document states. On May 11, Howell allegedly posted on WhatsApp, “I bought ya whole information for only $6, now my homeboy gonna run it up.”

Authorities say Howell later shared the victim’s full name and date of birth online, followed by a message reading “my police boo on it.” Two days later, Howell allegedly posted a photo of herself holding a firearm along with a voice recording in which she threatened to use it against the victim.

The situation intensified on May 14, when both defendants allegedly called the victim, “antagonized her and encouraged her to fight” Howell, according to court records. The victim told authorities she wanted no further contact, but Howell allegedly “threatened to send” Mitiale to her father’s residence to confront her.

Break-in, damage, and alleged threats captured

Investigators say the conflict turned physical later in May. Around 2:05 a.m. on May 25, Howell allegedly went to the victim’s home and sprayed a Ring doorbell camera with pepper spray. That same night, the two women encountered each other at a club in Hollywood, Florida, where a fight broke out before being stopped.

The following day, Howell allegedly escalated further, posting the victim’s address online along with the message “you gotta go.” She later called the victim and said she was “5 min out.” Surveillance footage reportedly captured two women tearing a Ring camera from the wall and attempting to kick in the front door.

Deputies say the suspects later called the victim again, with Howell telling Mitiale, “ask her about her makeup,” which investigators believe referenced damage inside the home.

When deputies arrived, they found extensive destruction. The victim reported about $3,000 in damages, including a broken flat-screen television, couch, mirror, and bathroom items. “Nearly all of her personal belongings” had been damaged, and the front door showed signs of being forcibly kicked in, according to the report.

While deputies were still at the scene, the victim received another call from the suspects. “[W]e are not done yet,” Howell allegedly said, adding, “your boyfriend is next.” Authorities said the exchange was recorded on body cameras.

Investigators also cited an Instagram video allegedly posted by Howell showing multiple people damaging items inside the apartment, with one individual heard shouting “Kassandra!”

Mitiale was arrested and later released on bond June 4, according to jail records. Howell remains in custody. Court records did not immediately list future court dates for either defendant.

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