Undocumented woman charged with first-degree murder after girlfriend’s body found in closet at Peppertree Apartments in east Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina (Times Media Service) — Charlotte police charged 23-year-old Lhis Brito-Costa with first-degree murder after officers found her 26-year-old girlfriend, Evelin Carolina Enamorado-Cisnado, concealed and deceased in a closet at Peppertree Apartments following a welfare check, and investigators said she admitted the shooting.
Key takeaways
- Suspect: Lhis Brito-Costa (23) was arrested and charged with first-degree murder; name variants have appeared in early reports. Sources: WSOC-TV reporting, WCNC coverage.
- Victim: Court records identify the victim as Evelin Carolina Enamorado-Cisnado (26). Sources: WSOC-TV reporting, WCNC coverage.
- Scene and alert: The victim was found hidden in a closet at Peppertree Apartments after a DoorDash driver alerted residents and police; the body showed signs of decomposition. Sources: WSOC-TV reporting, WCNC coverage.
Investigation and arrest
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) officers responded to the Peppertree Apartments on Tuesday afternoon after a welfare check was requested. According to court documents and reporting, a DoorDash driver told apartment staff that someone inside the unit appeared to be dead, which prompted police to conduct the check.
When officers entered the unit they found Evelin Carolina Enamorado-Cisnado concealed inside a closet, behind a door and covered with towels. Detectives reported the body had begun to decompose. (Sources: WSOC-TV reporting, WCNC coverage.)
CMPD located and arrested Lhis Brito-Costa the next day. She was interviewed by homicide detectives at CMPD’s Law Enforcement Center before being booked into the Mecklenburg County Jail on a charge of first-degree murder. County records show an ICE detainer was placed on her custody file, requesting notification prior to any release. (Sources: WSOC-TV reporting, WCNC coverage.)
Motive alleged in court documents
Court records and local reporting indicate that Costa told investigators she had been in a romantic relationship with Enamorado-Cisnado and admitted to shooting her after learning the victim was involved with someone else. Authorities have characterized the matter as a homicide investigation; officials have not publicly released a full medical-examiner cause of death beyond the allegation of a shooting. (Sources: WCNC coverage, WSOC-TV reporting.)
Scene, neighbors and complex history
Neighbors described a heavy police presence at the complex following the welfare check. One neighbor, Sai Akula, who lives above the unit, told reporters he observed police activity and said a man, a woman and a dog had lived in the apartment; he expressed shock and said he had not heard prior disturbances. (Source: WSOC-TV reporting.)
“I didn’t hear anything unusual,” said the neighbor, reflecting the surprise felt by residents who noticed increased police presence.
Local reporting also notes the Peppertree Apartments had a recent incident: authorities investigated a fatal shooting in the complex parking lot the prior month and made at least one arrest. Police did not link the incidents publicly, but residents have voiced concern about repeated violent events at the same property. (Source: WSOC-TV reporting.)
Reporting discrepancies and open questions
Early coverage showed variation in spelling of the suspect’s name across outlets and documents — commonly listed as Lhis Brito-Costa, but also appearing as Lhis Birito Costa or Leah Brito-Costa. The victim was initially unidentified in early reports and was later named in court records as Evelin Carolina Enamorado-Cisnado. News organizations note the story is developing as investigators gather evidence and officials update reports. (Sources: WCNC coverage, WSOC-TV reporting.)
Unreleased details: Officials have not provided a full forensic timeline, the medical examiner’s complete cause of death, or information about any other potential participants. Prosecutors’ filings and court proceedings will likely provide further specifics as the case progresses.
Immigration hold
Local authorities confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) placed a detainer on Costa after booking. An ICE detainer requests that local authorities notify federal immigration officials before releasing an individual from custody; it does not itself adjudicate immigration status but signals federal interest. (Sources: WSOC-TV reporting, WCNC coverage.)
Implications for the Inland Empire, California
Economic impact: News of violent incidents involving undocumented immigrants can affect local economies through reputational risk, hospitality concerns and property values. Inland Empire businesses, renters and investors may reassess travel, relocation and investment decisions in light of safety perceptions.
Political consequences: The case could shape conversations on immigration policy and public safety in the Inland Empire, prompting debate on cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE, detention policies and the handling of violent crime involving noncitizens.
Social effects: Incidents of intimate-partner violence highlight needs for mental-health resources, domestic-violence prevention and outreach to immigrant communities that may be hesitant to engage police.
Cultural relevance: The identities of those involved — including immigrant status and a same-sex relationship — may touch sensitive community issues. Coverage should balance the human toll of the crime with care to avoid stigmatizing broader groups.
Practical applications for residents: Property managers and residents in the Inland Empire are advised to review safety procedures for deliveries and doormen, improve lighting and camera coverage, promote tenant awareness about welfare reporting, and strengthen partnerships with victim services and police outreach units.
Source list
Notes: All factual details and source links are preserved from local reporting and court records; the case remains under investigation and coverage is developing.
