Nichole Maks Evidence Tampering Caught on Police Bodycam

gasoline can sat at his side—clear signs this was no accidental fire. Detectives quickly realized they were dealing with a homicide disguised as an arson and a truly bizarre twist involving the victim’s roommate would soon intensify the case.

THE VICTIM AND CRIME SCENE

Nichole Maks Evidence Tampering Caught on Police Bodycam – Michael Cerasoli’s body was discovered in a second-floor bedroom, lying on his left side amid charred debris. Investigators documented deep penetrating wounds to his torso consistent with multiple stabbings, and significant blunt-force injuries to his head indicating severe assault prior to fire being set. The presence of an empty gas can near the body suggested an intention to destroy evidence and cover the crime under the guise of a fire. The horrific scene triggered immediate homicide protocols and forensic specialists were called in to conduct a full investigation.

The house itself—once orderly—was now a destructive tableau of violence and chaos. Detectives documented damage consistent with a struggle, puncture marks, and blood spatter patterns that pointed to assault occurring before ignition. The victim’s roommate, 38-year-old Nichole Maks, was nowhere to be found, raising red flags about her possible involvement. Investigators quickly moved to locate Maks—and what they uncovered would become one of the most bizarre evidence-tampering episodes in law-enforcement history.

THE ROOMMATE DISAPPEARS & THE FOOTMAN FIND

Nichole Maks Evidence Tampering – Hours later investigators located Nichole Maks—barefoot and disheveled—walking near a nearby area, holding a knife and a hammer, with visible blood on her legs and shirt. She claimed the victim was someone she hardly knew, despite evidence they lived together. She attempted to distance herself from the crime scene even as officers found her tools of violence in hand. Maks’s physical condition and the tools she carried placed her squarely in the spotlight.

The body-cam footage captured the shocking scene: Maks, unsteady and evasive, standing at the crime scene zone without shoes, clutching weapons, and marking a tangible link between her and the assault. Detectives faced a scenario where the suspect was present at the scene, the victim was clearly assaulted, and now a fire had been used to mask the crime. Maks’s attempt to appear disconnected only deepened suspicion and intensified the prosecution’s case.

THE MOUNTAIN DEW MOMENT: UNBELIEVABLE EVIDENCE TAMPERING

Perhaps the most surreal and talked-about moment in the investigation came when officers advised Maks they would collect a DNA sample. She requested a Diet Mountain Dew, and after some delay she began pouring the soda over her body and hair—attempting to destroy trace chemical and biological evidence. The footage of Maks deliberately rinsing herself in front of law-enforcement officers shocked investigators and earned widespread media attention. It became a textbook example of tampering with evidence—while under supervision.

The act raised critical questions about the awareness of suspects and the lengths to which they’ll go. This attempted cover-up was not subtle or discreet. It was captured in full view of body-worn cameras, dash-cams, and investigating officers. The visual of a woman soaked in soda while armed tools lay nearby created a chilling image of chaos and criminal desperation.

INVESTIGATION, FORENSICS & PROSECUTION PATH

Investigators processed the scene meticulously. DNA evidence collected from the blade of a knife found near the victim matched Maks’s genetic profile. Additional forensic findings included traces of gasoline, residue consistent with arson, and a fire pattern that confirmed ignition occurred after the assault. The case was built on direct links between Maks, the fire scene, the victim, and the recovered weapons.

Legal teams charged Maks with multiple counts including second-degree murder, arson of a dwelling, tampering with physical evidence, and resisting arrest with violence. The prosecution emphasized the clear sequence: assault, fire, and then film-worthy destruction of evidence. The gravity and uniqueness of the tampering phase bolstered the case, allowing the prosecution to show premeditation and cover-up behavior in court.

The judicial outcome resulted in significant prison time, sending a message that such reckless and shocking behavior will face the full weight of the law. The case also inspired policy reviews among fire, police, and forensic agencies about how to respond when homicide and arson intersect and suspects attempt crude evidence destruction while in custody.

LESSONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THE PUBLIC

For law-enforcement professionals, this case underscores the importance of integrated murder-arson investigations and the value of real-time body-cam evidence. The dramatic shifts—from assault to fire to self-tampering—illustrate how quickly a crime scene can evolve. Officers must be prepared for suspects attempting destruction of evidence right in their presence.

For the public, the incident is a stark reminder of how deception, vanity, and violent rage can collide. If you live with someone and there are signs of volatility, the danger can escalate far beyond what appears on the surface. And if you’re witnessing law-enforcement interaction, body-cam footage reduces uncertainty and increases accountability—what you see on video matters.

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Nichole Maks

Nichole Maks

Nichole Maks

Nichole Maks