A pregnant woman is recovering after being stabbed multiple times by her pizza delivery driver, allegedly over a dispute about the size of her tip. The shocking incident occurred on December 22, 2024, at the Riviera Motel in Kissimmee, Florida, where the Osceola County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of violence.
According to officials, Brianna Alvelo, 22, became upset after delivering pizza and receiving only a $2 tip for the meal. The delivery to the motel room cost around $33.10, and after the victim, identified as Melinda Irizarry, handed Alvelo $50, tensions ran high as there was no change offered, leading to dissatisfaction over the tip. The situation escalated when Alvelo, unhappy about the amount, returned to the motel later with a male accomplice.
Sheriff's deputies report the two assailants, dressed entirely in black and wearing masks, forced their way inside the victim's room. Once inside, the male suspect brandished a firearm, commanding Irizarry's boyfriend to enter the bathroom. Meanwhile, Alvelo pulled out a pocketknife and attacked Irizarry, stabbing her 14 times.
Following the brutal assault, the couple's five-year-old daughter witnessed the violence, leaving the family traumatized. Deputies found Irizarry with significant injuries, including wounds to her chest, arms, legs, and abdomen. The pregnant victim was immediately transported to the hospital, where she underwent surgery for her life-threatening injuries, including treatment for a punctured lung.
While still recovering, Irizarry discovered she was pregnant, adding to the tragedy of the incident. The police investigation revealed Alvelo had been working at Marcos Pizza on the night of the incident and had delivered the food to the hotel. Security footage confirmed her arrival at the motel earlier with the delivery and corroborated the timeline leading up to the attack.
After the assault, witnesses reported seeing the pair — Alvelo and her male accomplice — flee the scene and return to the parking lot, where they got away in Alvelo's red Toyota Camry. Following extensive investigation procedures and interviews, Alvelo was arrested at the restaurant the day after the incident.
Charged with home invasion with a firearm, attempted murder, kidnapping, and aggravated assault, she is currently held at the Osceola County Jail. Her bail has been set at $55,000, though prosecutors are urging the court to deny bail entirely, emphasizing the severity of her crimes and the likelihood of life imprisonment.
"The severity of the crime warrants no bond and a life sentence," noted one report from NBC News. The search continues for the unidentified male accomplice who fled with Alvelo, as authorities are eager to gather any additional information from the public.
Residents and local community members have expressed shock over the incident, which has left many questioning the motivations behind such violence over something as trivial as a tip. The Osceola County Sheriff's Office is urging anyone with information on the male suspect's identity or whereabouts to come forward, and they can contact Crimeline at (800) 423-8477.
This distressing event serves as grim evidence of the extreme reactions some individuals may display under stress. It highlights not only the personal tragedies but also broader societal issues surrounding service worker treatment and the pressures involved with the job—especially during challenging economic times.
For now, Irizarry is recovering from her injuries, but the emotional ramifications of the incident may linger for some time as she navigates the challenges of motherhood and healing, now ignited by such trauma.
