East Charlotte Murder Investigation Reveals Jealousy and Deception as Motive in Fatal Apartment Shooting

Lhis Brito Costa, 23, was charged with murder after her girlfriend's body was found in an east Charlotte closet. The suspect cited jealousy as the motive.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 18, 2026, 4:43 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from WBTV

A Grisly Discovery During a Welfare Check

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department uncovered a harrowing scene at an east Charlotte apartment complex on Tuesday, March 10. Officers arrived at the residence off Central Avenue at approximately 4:30 PM to conduct a welfare check, which led to the discovery of 26 year old Evelin Enamorado-Cisnado. According to a recently released affidavit, the victim’s body was found concealed inside a closet in one of the apartment’s bedrooms. Investigators noted that the body had been covered up in an apparent attempt to delay detection of the crime.

Confession Linked to Domestic Infidelity

Authorities arrested 23 year old Lhis Brito Costa on Wednesday, March 11, following a series of interviews. While Costa initially attempted to deflect blame toward a relative, the affidavit states she eventually admitted to the killing. Costa reportedly told detectives that she was consumed by anger over allegations that Enamorado-Cisnado had been cheating on her. This motive led to a violent confrontation where Costa admitted to shooting the victim once in the head before moving the body into the closet to hide the evidence.

Living Arrangements and Deceptive Explanations

The investigation revealed that the couple was not living alone; they had spent the past month residing with another couple, identified as Maye and Avalos, and their five children. Costa and Enamorado-Cisnado had moved into the apartment to assist with childcare. Maye informed investigators that a foul odor had permeated the home for several days, but she was unaware of the source. During that time, Costa allegedly fabricated a story, telling her roommates that her uncle was responsible for the disappearance and death of her girlfriend.