A birthday night at a Florida motel turned into a violent home invasion after a Marco’s Pizza delivery driver, Brianna Alvelo, allegedly returned over a $2 tip, stabbed customer Melinda Irizarry 14 times, and terrorized her family in front of her 5-year-old daughter.
Listen to the full breakdown, with my commentary, on Love and Murder: Heartbreak to Homicide.
If you’ve already listened to this episode, then let me know what you think by clicking here.
A Birthday Celebration Turned Violent
In December 2024, what should have been a birthday celebration at the Riviera Motel in Kissimmee, Florida turned into a violent crime scene after a dispute over a pizza delivery tip.
According to prosecutors, 22-year-old Brianna Alvelo, a Marco’s Pizza delivery driver, became upset over receiving only a $2 tip. Authorities say she later returned to the motel with an armed male accomplice and forced her way into the room where customer Melinda Irizarry was staying.
What happened next quickly escalated into a brutal attack.
The Home Invasion and Attack
Investigators say Brianna and the unidentified male accomplice entered the motel room and confronted Melinda, her boyfriend, and her 5-year-old daughter.
During the attack, Melinda’s boyfriend was reportedly held at gunpoint inside the bathroom while Melinda was stabbed 14 times in front of her young child. One of the stab wounds punctured her lung, leaving her with life-threatening injuries.
After being taken to the hospital, Melinda later learned she was pregnant—adding another emotional layer to an already devastating case.
Arrest and Ongoing Investigation
Brianna Alvelo was later arrested and charged with attempted murder with a weapon, home invasion with a firearm, kidnapping, and aggravated assault.
Authorities are still searching for the unidentified male accomplice who allegedly participated in the attack.
As the case moves forward, it continues to raise questions about how quickly a seemingly minor conflict escalated into extreme violence, and how a routine pizza delivery ended in attempted murder.
Bonus:
Join the LaM Fam to get bonus episodes, case extras, and the aftershow. You’ll also help me continue being the voice of the victims and keeping this podcast listener funded. All this starting at just $3/mo.
Join me in the Patreon today
🔻🔻🔻🔻🔻
We’re listener-supported. That means you.
When you give, you’re not just supporting the podcast, you’re helping amplify the voices of those who’ve been silenced.
Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, bonus episodes, and access to the full LaM Files.
FAQ:
Why was Brianna Alvelo arrested?
Brianna Alvelo was arrested after prosecutors say she returned to a motel room with an armed accomplice following a dispute over a $2 pizza delivery tip and attacked customer Melinda Irizarry.
What charges is Brianna Alvelo facing?
She is facing charges including attempted murder with a weapon, home invasion with a firearm, kidnapping, and aggravated assault.
Was anyone else involved in the attack?
Yes. Investigators say Brianna returned with an unidentified armed male accomplice who allegedly helped carry out the home invasion and assault. Authorities are still searching for him.
Past Cases Mentioned in this Episode:
Florida Man Friday – 8 Year Old Witnesses Father Being Shot – Edward Druzolowski
https://murderandlove.com/florida-man-friday-8-year-old-witnesses-father-being-shot-edward-druzolowski/
Saturday Short | Oxford Student Stabs Boyfriend and Avoids Jail Because She’s “Too Smart” | Lavinia Woodward
https://www.spreaker.com/episode/saturday-short-oxford-student-stabs-boyfriend-and-avoids-jail-because-she-s-too-smart-lavinia-woodward–62418710
Want more true crime cases? Listen to this one next!
Catch this case while you’re here:
OnlyFans Star Said It Was Self-Defense, Evidence Says Otherwise | Courtney Clenney Case
A toxic relationship between influencer Courtney Clenney and her boyfriend Christian Obumseli ended with a fatal stabbing inside their Miami apartment. She claims self-defense. Prosecutors say it was a pattern of abuse that finally turned deadly and the case is still...
🔗 Get involved in the conversation for free:
LaM Fan Group
**********************************
HOW TO SUPPORT LOVE AND MURDER:
🧃Buy me a coffee (or an apple juice)🧃
Patreon (✨✨best option for more extras✨✨)
***********************************
Rate, Share, Subscribe!🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Want to hear about a specific true crime case?
Email me at [email protected]
or
Request here: https://forms.gle/K513K8wCdRbU6syz5
We’re listener-supported. That means you.
When you give, you’re not just supporting the podcast, you’re helping amplify the voices of those who’ve been silenced.
Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, bonus episodes, and access to the full LaM Files.
Spanish YouTuber Sentenced to Life for Murdering Surgeon in Thailand | Daniel Sancho Bronchalo
Daniel Sancho Bronchalo | Chiangrai Times30-year old Daniel Sancho Bronchalo, a Spanish cooking YouTuber, was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Colombian surgeon Edwin Arrieta Arteaga. The crime happened on the island of Koh Phangan, Thailand, in August...
Missing Georgia Firefighters Dealing with “Toxic” Relationship, Found Dead | Reagan Anderson and Chandler Kuhbander
On Saturday, June 22, 2024, 24-year-old Reagan Anderson was reportedly arrested for keying Chandler Kuhbander’s car while he was on a date with another woman. The two Hinesville, Georgia firefighters, who worked together at Liberty County Fire Services, had dated for...
Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s New Chapter — Abuse, Murder, Love and Motherhood
In an interesting update, Gypsy Rose Blanchard, a name synonymous with one of the most notorious true crime stories of our time, is expecting her first child with boyfriend Ken Urker. Gypsy Rose, 32, made this emotional announcement on her YouTube channel on Tuesday,...
Discover more from Love and Murder Podcast: Heartbreak to Homicide
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.







