Charlotte arrest in apartment homicide after DoorDash driver reports foul odor
Charlotte, North Carolina (High Desert News Online) – Charlotte police arrested 23‑year‑old Lhis Birito Costa and charged her with murder after a DoorDash driver reported a foul odor; officers found 26‑year‑old Evelin Carolina Enamorado‑Cisnado’s decomposing body hidden in a closet.
Key takeaways
- Victim: Evelin Carolina Enamorado‑Cisnado, 26, found decomposing and concealed in a closet at Peppertree Apartments.
- Suspect: Lhis Birito Costa, 23, arrested and charged with murder; detained in Mecklenburg County jail.
- Discovery: A DoorDash driver reported a foul odor and was told someone “might be dead,” prompting police welfare check.
- Immigration: ICE has placed a detainer on Costa; court records indicate she is not in the U.S. legally.
Main content
Homicide investigation begins after delivery driver reports foul smell
On Tuesday afternoon, March 10, Charlotte‑Mecklenburg Police officers responded to a welfare check at the Peppertree Apartments in east Charlotte’s Eastway Division after a DoorDash driver reported a strong, foul odor and was told someone inside “might be dead.”
Officers entered the apartment and located a body concealed behind a door inside a closet, wrapped in towels and blankets. Detectives said the remains showed signs of decomposition at the time of discovery. The department released details in a public statement; see the Charlotte‑Mecklenburg Police Department news release for the original briefing.
Arrest and charges
Police located and arrested Lhis Birito Costa on Wednesday, March 11, one day after the discovery. She was processed at the Charlotte‑Mecklenburg Police Department’s Law Enforcement Center and interviewed by homicide detectives before being transferred to the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.
Court records show Costa was formally charged with murder and remains held at the county jail. Local reporting with additional case details is available via Local12.
Suspect’s statement and alleged motive
According to court documents obtained by local media, Costa told investigators she had been in a relationship with the victim and admitted to shooting Enamorado‑Cisnado after learning the victim was involved with another person. Investigators have not released a complete timeline, forensic findings, or other evidence publicly.
Detectives continue to develop the case and said they will release additional information as it becomes available. For further reporting on the alleged statement and documents, see the Local12 report.
Immigration status and ICE detainer
Court records and local reporting indicate Costa is not in the United States legally. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed a detainer on her, meaning federal authorities have requested notification prior to any release from county custody.
Media coverage on the immigration aspects and the ICE detainer is available from WSOC‑TV and Fox News. An ICE detainer does not alter state criminal charges but indicates federal interest in immigration enforcement.
Legal process and next steps
Costa faces a state murder charge and will proceed through North Carolina’s criminal justice system. Prosecutors must present evidence—including any forensic, autopsy, and ballistics results—to support the charge. Homicide detectives will continue scene processing and coordination with the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office.
The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed Costa remains in county jail pending legal proceedings; official booking information and updates can be requested from CMPD and the sheriff’s office. See the CMPD news release for ongoing updates.
Community response and safety concerns
Neighbors near Peppertree Apartments expressed shock and concern following the discovery. Crimes involving concealment of a body and delayed discovery often heighten public alarm and prompt calls for timely reporting of suspicious behavior.
This case also underscores the role of delivery drivers in community safety: a DoorDash driver’s report directly prompted the welfare check that led to the homicide investigation. Local leaders and delivery companies may review training and response guidance for drivers who encounter alarming signs at residences.
Implications for the High Desert, California
Public safety and policing: The incident highlights the importance of clear law‑enforcement communication and welfare‑check protocols to minimize delays in discovery.
Immigration policy debates: The ICE detainer may draw attention among readers who follow immigration enforcement; local officials could face pressure to clarify cooperation policies with federal authorities.
Victim services: The case points to the need for accessible victim resources—especially for immigrant communities—so survivors and witnesses feel safe reporting crimes in multiple languages.
Delivery economy safety: Residents and municipal leaders may consider protocols and training for delivery drivers who encounter suspicious conditions during service calls.
Source notes and where to read more
- Charlotte‑Mecklenburg Police Department news release on the homicide investigation, March 10, 2026
- Local12 report detailing the discovery and court documents
- WSOC‑TV coverage noting the death investigation and immigration reporting
- Fox News report on ICE detainer and immigration status
“Officers entered the apartment and discovered a body hidden inside a closet, behind a door and covered with several towels and blankets.” — CMPD news release
This report will be updated as authorities release more information about the investigation, forensic findings, and court proceedings.
