Brianna Alvelo is said to have used a pocket knife to attack the victim, leaving 14 stab wounds and injuries including a punctured lung
Brianna Alvelo is said to have used a pocket knife to attack the victim, leaving 14 stab wounds and injuries including a punctured lung

The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office reported that the attack occurred following a dispute over a $2 tip, raising concerns about safety and violence in customer service interactions.

The Incident

On Sunday evening (Dec 22, 2024), the victim, her boyfriend, and her 5-year-old daughter were staying at the Riviera Motel to celebrate a birthday. They ordered pizza from a local Marco's Pizza restaurant. According to reports, when Brianna Alvelo, a 22-year-old delivery driver, delivered the pizza, a conflict arose over the tip.

The victim handed Alvelo a $50 bill to pay for the $33 order and requested change. When Alvelo stated she had no change, the victim scrambled to find smaller bills and ultimately tipped $2. Witnesses noted Alvelo’s apparent frustration as she rolled her eyes and walked away.

Media identified the victim as a pregnant woman named Melinda Irizarry.

According to an affidavit reviewed by NBC News, Brianna Alvelo and an unidentified male returned to the motel after the tipping dispute, dressed entirely in black and wearing masks. The male suspect was reportedly armed with a pistol.

The duo allegedly forced their way into the motel room and ordered the victim's boyfriend to lock himself in the bathroom. Alvelo then pulled out a pocket knife and began rummaging through the victim's belongings, as reported by NBC News.

Who is Brianna Alvelo, Pizza Delivery Driver Stabs Pregnant Woman Over $2 Tip
The Riviera Motel in Kissimmee, Florida

The affidavit states that during the commotion, the victim, Irizarry, tried to protect her young daughter. She was struck in the lower back while shielding the child, according to NBC News. In an effort to call for help, Irizarry threw her daughter onto the bed and reached for her phone. However, Alvelo allegedly smashed the phone and attacked Irizarry with the knife, inflicting multiple wounds before both suspects fled the scene.

While receiving medical care for her injuries, Irizarry learned she was pregnant, the affidavit revealed.

The Attack

The situation escalated dramatically later that night when Alvelo returned to the motel, this time armed with a knife and accompanied by an unidentified male carrying a firearm. Both suspects wore face masks as they forced their way into the victim’s motel room.

The male suspect allegedly ordered the victim’s boyfriend into the bathroom while Alvelo attacked the woman, stabbing her 14 times as she tried to shield her young daughter. The suspects also ransacked the room and stole items before fleeing the scene.

Emergency Response and Hospitalization

Sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a home invasion and stabbing, finding the victim with severe injuries. She was rushed to a local hospital, where doctors discovered that she was pregnant while treating her wounds. Miraculously, she is now in stable condition.

Arrest and Charges

Who is Brianna Alvelo, Pizza Delivery Driver Stabs Pregnant Woman Over $2 Tip
22-year-old Brianna Alvelo is currently in jail after allegedly stabbing a pregnant woman 14 times over a $2 tip

Brianna Alvelois being held at the Osceola County Jail on a $55,000 bond. Authorities are still searching for the male accomplice involved in the attack.

The male suspect currently remains unidentified, and Alvelo is now facing charges of attempted murder, home invasion with a firearm, kidnapping and aggravated assault with a weapon.

Public Reaction and Broader Concerns

The violent nature of the incident has sparked outrage and concern. Many have pointed out the alarming escalation from a minor financial dispute to a life-threatening attack. It also highlights the vulnerabilities of individuals in customer-facing roles, as well as the importance of addressing anger management and conflict resolution.

The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office has assured the public that the incident was isolated and that the investigation remains ongoing.

A statement from a Marco’s Pizza spokesperson said: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred. The local owner and his team are fully cooperating with local authorities, who have launched an investigation into the matter. The safety and well-being of customers and team members are always our top priority, and we are taking this incident very seriously."
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