A 22-year-old pizza delivery driver in Florida has been arrested after allegedly stabbing a pregnant woman multiple times in a dispute over a tip.
Authorities said the incident happened on December 22, 2024, at the Riviera Motel in Kissimmee. Officers for the Osceola County Sheriff's Office responded to the motel over calls of a home invasion and stabbing. They later located the pregnant victim, Melinda Irizarry, and transported her to a nearby hospital, where she underwent surgery for a ruptured lung and stab wounds to the abdomen, arms, chest, and legs.
Officers identified 22-year-old pizza delivery driver Brianna Alvelo as the suspect in the case, according to a Facebook post from the sheriff's office.
Why Did the Driver Stab the Pregnant Woman?
Investigators said Irizarry ordered from Marcos Pizza Shop for $33.10. Alvelo delivered the order half an hour later to the victim's room at Riviera's Motel. Irizarry gave Alvelo $50 and requested change, but the perpetrator said it was store policy not to provide them with change. This forced Irizarry to get smaller bills to pay for her order, which led to her giving the driver a $2 tip.
Alvelo initially walked away from the victim but returned later with an armed male suspect. Alvelo later attacked and stabbed the pregnant victim 14 times. They also stole items from the victim's motel room, per ABC News, citing an affidavit.
It was noted that Irizarry had been staying with her boyfriend and her five-year-old daughter at the motel to celebrate a birthday when the stabbing occurred. Only Irizarry sustained injuries in the incident.
What Charges Will Alvelo Face?
Alvelo is currently being held at Osceola County Jail on a $55,000 bail, NBC News reported. She is facing charges of attempted murder, home invasion with a firearm, kidnapping, and aggravated assault. That said, she will be jailed without bond pending her trial. Prosecutors also said her crimes are punishable by life in prison.
The man who accompanied Alvelo remains unidentified and is still at large. Officials are requesting for anyone with information related to the case to contact Crimeline at (800) 423-8477.
