Undocumented immigrant charged with murder after girlfriend’s decomposing body found in closet at Peppertree Apartments
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police charged 23-year-old Lhis Brito-Costa with first-degree murder after officers discovered 26-year-old Evelin Carolina Enamorado-Cisnado’s decomposing body hidden in a closet at Peppertree Apartments in east Charlotte; arrest followed the welfare check and homicide investigation.
- Suspect and charges: Lhis Brito-Costa, 23, faces a first-degree murder charge in the death of 26-year-old Evelin Carolina Enamorado-Cisnado.
- Discovery: Officers found the victim’s body hidden in a closet, behind a door and covered with towels; detectives reported the body was already decomposing.
- Timeline: Welfare check called March 10, 2026; arrest made March 11, 2026; investigation remains active.
- Immigration detainer: Court records and local reports indicate ICE placed a detainer on Costa; she is being held at the Mecklenburg County Jail.
Discovery and crime scene details
What officers found: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police say a DoorDash driver raised concerns that led to a welfare check at an east Charlotte apartment. Officers entered the unit on March 10, 2026, and located Evelin Carolina Enamorado-Cisnado’s body hidden inside a closet, behind a door and covered with several towels. Detectives reported the body had begun decomposing, indicating the death occurred before the call.
“The body had begun decomposing,”
according to early police statements and court documents cited in local reporting.
On-scene reporting described a heavy police presence at Peppertree Apartments near Central Avenue and Kilborne Drive / Norland Road. For the initial news coverage, see WSOC-TV and the local video report.
Arrest, booking and immigration detainer
Police located and arrested Lhis Brito-Costa on March 11, 2026. She was interviewed by homicide detectives at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Law Enforcement Center, then transferred to the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office and charged with first-degree murder.
Court records and local reports indicate Costa is not in the United States legally and that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) placed a detainer seeking notification before any possible release. The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Costa remains in custody at the county jail.
Motive and relationship details
According to court documents obtained by local outlets, Costa told detectives she shot Enamorado-Cisnado after learning the victim was involved with someone else. Early reports vary on specifics, but coverage indicates the two were romantically involved. Investigators have not publicly released an official cause of death while the homicide investigation continues; the alleged motive in court records remains an allegation.
Victim identification and community reaction
The victim was initially listed as unidentified in early police notifications and media reports. Law enforcement later confirmed the woman found in the closet was 26-year-old Evelin Carolina Enamorado-Cisnado. Neighbors described a generally quiet scene before police arrived; one resident reported seeing a man, a woman and a dog living in the unit. Other residents noted recent police activity and a separate fatal shooting in the complex in recent weeks.
Investigation status and conflicting early reports
The case remains an active homicide investigation. Authorities have not released a full forensic timeline or final cause of death. Early coverage included minor inconsistencies in name spelling — the suspect’s name appearing as Lhis Brito-Costa, Lhis Birito Costa or Leah Brito Costa — and initial identification of the victim as a Jane Doe. Police say such discrepancies are common in fast-developing investigations as identities and records are verified.
Legal process and next steps
Costa made an initial court appearance and remains held at the Mecklenburg County Jail on a first-degree murder charge. Prosecutors may seek additional charges as the investigation proceeds and evidence is reviewed. The ICE detainer adds a federal immigration dimension; detainer policies and coordination between local and federal authorities can affect custody and pretrial handling.
Implications for Utah
For Utah readers, especially conservative audiences tracking law-and-order and immigration issues, this case highlights several themes:
- Public safety and enforcement coordination: the role of ICE detainers and interagency communication when a noncitizen is charged with a violent crime.
- Immigration policy debates: incidents involving undocumented immigrants are often cited in discussions of border security and detainer policies.
- Domestic violence awareness: the alleged motive — a relationship dispute — underscores the importance of intervention, reporting, and community programs.
- Apartment complex security: repeated violent incidents at a multiunit property raise questions about property management, lighting, surveillance and policing strategies.
Practical takeaways
Neighbors, delivery drivers and property managers play a crucial role in reporting welfare concerns. Timely welfare checks can prompt lifesaving responses — in this case, a DoorDash driver’s alert led to police entering the unit and discovering the victim.
Developing story
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing. Officials have not released full forensics or a final cause of death as detectives gather evidence and review court filings. Updates will follow through law enforcement statements and court proceedings.
Sources and documentation
Reporting and documentation cited in this article include: WSOC-TV and a local video report (WCNC/associated coverage). Court documents referenced in local reporting were cited by WCNC Charlotte and summarized in early coverage.
