Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Pizza delivery worker arrested for stabbing pregnant woman over $2 tip in Florida

Ms Irizarry had paid $50 in cash but received limited change back from the delivery driver. 

• December 28, 2024
Florida police
Florida police [Credit: abcnews4]

A pizza delivery worker in Kissimmee, Florida, has been arrested after allegedly stabbing a pregnant woman 14 times during a violent attack sparked by a $2 tip.  

Brianna Alvelo, 22, was taken into custody on December 23 after the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office identified her as one of two suspects in a brutal assault at the Rivera Motel. 

The attack occurred on December 22 when Ms Alvelo and an unidentified man reportedly broke into a motel room occupied by Melinda Irizarry, her boyfriend, and her 5-year-old daughter.  

The incident unfolded after Ms Irizarry tipped Ms Alvelo $2 on a $33 pizza order, explaining that she didn’t have exact change. 

Ms Irizarry had paid $50 in cash but received limited change back from the delivery driver. 

According to an arrest affidavit obtained by ABC News, Ms Irizarry later told police that Ms Alvelo “rolled her eyes and walked away” before returning to carry out the assault.  

Deputies found Ms Irizarry, who had been stabbed, and transported her to a nearby hospital. 

She underwent emergency surgery for a ruptured lung and sustained stab wounds to her chest, arms, legs, and abdomen, the affidavit stated.

Ms Alvelo has been charged with attempted murder, home invasion with a firearm, kidnapping, and aggravated assault. 

She was booked into the Osceola County jail without bond. 

Authorities described the attack as an “isolated incident,” but the investigation remains ongoing.  

Ms Irizarry’s condition has since stabilised, and deputies continue to search for the second suspect.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

President Donald Trump

World

Trump imposes additional 50 per cent tariffs on Canada

The tariffs will take effect 30 days after signing.

Anti-Corruption

Court orders EFCC to serve defence with Imoke’s summary of statement

The FCT High Court, Apo Division, has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to serve the defence with the summary of the statement of former Governor Liyel Imoke.

States

Gunshots rend air as NURTW factions clash over Osogbo motor park

The police command in Osun says it has restored normalcy in Osogbo after a clash between two factions of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

Sport

Bayelsa United resume training for NNL target NPFL return

Bayelsa United FC of Yenagoa resumed preparations for the 2026/2027 Nigeria National League season on Monday, aiming for promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League.

Otti signing document

Economy

Abia partners SON to boost export readiness, tackle counterfeit products

The Abia government says it has partnered the Standard Organisation of Nigeria to prepare local entrepreneurs for exports and tackle counterfeit and substandard products.

Economy

Enugu extends health insurance to traders for affordable healthcare services

The Enugu State Agency for Universal Health Coverage has extended the health insurance scheme to traders to enable them to access affordable and quality healthcare services.