Phoenix, Ariz. — A woman in Phoenix faces serious charges, including second-degree murder, after authorities say she deliberately struck and killed a man during a date gone wrong. The incident, which unfolded on May 3, has raised questions about online dating safety and the potential dangers lurking behind seemingly innocuous interactions.
Mikela Antresa Bahe, 30, has been charged with several offenses stemming from the death of 52-year-old Norris L. Taft. According to police reports, Bahe allegedly ran over Taft in the parking lot of an apartment complex after he attempted to end their meeting. The collision, initially treated as an accident, later evolved into a homicide investigation as officers gathered evidence that suggested intent.
Taft was critically injured at the scene, located near 16th Street and Maryland Avenue, and later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. Prior to the incident, Taft reached out to a family member, expressing concerns that he had been “catfished,” indicating he believed Bahe did not resemble her online profile. This revelation adds a layer of complexity to the timeline leading up to the fatal encounter.
In their investigation, police utilized phone records, location data, and surveillance footage to track the movements of Bahe and Taft. The two met through MocoSpace, a social networking and dating platform, before visiting a local dispensary and gas station. Surveillance cameras captured Bahe making purchases at these establishments, confirming her presence alongside Taft.
At the apartment complex, security footage played a crucial role in piecing together the events that transpired. According to police, the video showed Taft positioning himself in front of the SUV just before he was struck. Evidence suggests that Bahe accelerated deliberately, leading to a horrific outcome as Taft fell beneath the vehicle, which then fled the scene.
Authorities have indicated that Bahe may have had no permission to operate the vehicle, which was registered to Taft. Following the incident, she was traced to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, where she was apprehended three days later in Flagstaff. Bahe was subsequently booked into Maricopa County Jail with a cash bond set at $1 million.
In conversations with investigators, Bahe acknowledged being present but claimed a lack of memory regarding the events after leaving the dispensary. Despite viewing the surveillance footage, which clearly depicts her striking Taft, she continued to deny recalling the incident. Shortly after the crash, she reportedly told a family member, “I messed up,” indicating an awareness of the gravity of the situation.
The charges against Bahe will be pursued in Maricopa County Superior Court, where prosecutors must establish that her actions displayed intentional or reckless indifference to human life. Alongside the murder charges, she faces counts of vehicle theft and leaving the scene of a fatal accident.
While the dating aspect of the incident has garnered significant media interest, the case will likely pivot on the physical evidence—namely, the movements of the SUV and the circumstances surrounding Taft’s position in the parking lot. Investigators are also working to reconstruct the events leading up to the collision to provide clarity on the conflict that transpired.
The apartment complex where the tragic event occurred is situated in a bustling area of central Phoenix, surrounded by businesses and residential buildings. This grim incident has brought to the forefront the risks associated with online dating, emphasizing the need for caution when engaging with individuals from such platforms.
As authorities continue their investigation, including efforts to locate the vehicle involved, Bahe remains in custody. The unfolding case serves as a stark reminder of how a seemingly simple date can quickly escalate into tragedy, leaving families and communities to grapple with the consequences.