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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.

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