Florida pizza delivery driver stabs pregnant customer 14 times over small tip: deputies

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Updated  December 27, 2024 5:26am EST
FOX 35 Orlando
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Deputies: Florida woman stabbed 14 times over bad tip

A pizza delivery driver was arrested and taken to the Osceola County jail after allegedly stabbing a pregnant woman multiple times over a tip amount, according to the Osceola County Sheriff's Office.

The Brief

    • A pizza delivery driver in Kissimmee, Florida, was arrested for allegedly stabbing a pregnant woman more than a dozen times over a $2 tip, according to the Osceola County Sheriff's Office.
    • Brianna Alvelo became upset with a customer over small tip she received after making a delivery to the Riviera Motel in Kissimmee, authorities said. She later returned to the hotel room with a man, and they reportedly forced themselves inside the room. 
    • The victim was stabbed by Alvelo multiple times before the male suspect said it was time to leave, authorities said. Detectives are working to identify the male suspect involved in the incident.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. - A pizza delivery driver was arrested and taken to the Osceola County jail after allegedly stabbing a pregnant woman multiple times over a small tip, according to the Osceola County Sheriff's Office.

Brianna Alvelo, 22, of Kissimmee, was arrested Monday and faces charges of kidnapping, home invasion and aggravated assault. She is also charged under the same statute that covers premeditated murder. 

Credit: Osceola County Sheriff's Office

The incident happened on Sunday around 11:47 p.m. at the Riveria Motel on E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee. 

Deputies found the victim, Melinda Irizarry, in a hotel room with multiple stab wounds to her chest, arms, legs, and abdomen, according to an arrest warrant. She was rushed to a hospital, where she underwent surgery for a punctured lung and several tendons in her knee. She had been stabbed 14 times, the report stated.

At the hospital, Irizarry discovered, it wasn’t just her life at risk – doctors told her she was about a month pregnant.

According to investigators, Irizarry, her boyfriend, and her 5-year-old daughter were staying at the hotel to celebrate her boyfriend's birthday. They ordered food from a nearby Marco's Pizza, and Alvelo delivered it.

In an exclusive interview, Irizarry told FOX 35 News that her food arrived extremely late, it was cold, and the delivery driver was rude – so she only gave her a $2 tip on the pizza.

 Alvelo reportedly became upset over the tip amount, deputies said. 

Later, Irizarry heard loud knocking and opened the door to find two suspects, including Alvelo, forcing their way inside. Both were dressed in black and wore face masks, authorities said. Alvelo was armed with a knife, and the male suspect had a gun.

"Once I realized the severity of the situation, you know, I'm like, ‘my God, these people came in here to hurt us,’" Irizarry said. 

Brianna Alvelo (Credit: Osceola County Sheriff's Office)

The male suspect pointed the gun at Irizarry and her daughter, then forced the boyfriend into the bathroom at gunpoint. Alvelo allegedly began rummaging through the couple's belongings and then stabbed Irizarry when she turned to shield her daughter. 

"It's pretty traumatic," Irizarry said. "My daughter seeing that whole thing, it’s pretty heartbreaking to me."

Irizarry attempted to grab her phone, but Alvelo smashed it and continued the attack until the male suspect called for them to leave, the warrant stated.

"It wasn't like she was just upset. It was like she was in a frenzy mode," Irizarry said.

Irizarry told FOX 35 News she doesn’t think this was about money in the end. 

"You got the money. My boyfriend told you where there was more money and you didn't go get it," Irizarry said. 

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Investigators said surveillance footage showed Alvelo arriving at the hotel in a red Toyota Camry at 10 p.m. and later returning with the male suspect. They were seen entering and leaving the victim's room within minutes. The manager of Marco's Pizza confirmed Alvelo's delivery to the hotel and that she drives a red Toyota Camry. Alvelo had clocked out about an hour before the incident.

Alvelo is being held in the Osceola County jail without bond. Deputies are working to identify the male suspect. 

"I want them to get him as soon as possible because they're monsters," Irizarry said. "They should not be out in the street."

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crimeline at 800-423-8477.

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The Source: This article was wrriten based on information provided by the Osceola County Sheriff's Office in a press release, charging affidavit and an arrest warrant.