Undocumented woman charged after girlfriend’s decomposing body found in closet in east Charlotte apartment
Charlotte police found the decomposing body of 26-year-old Evelin Carolina Enamorado-Cisnado hidden in a closet after a DoorDash driver reported a foul odor; 23-year-old Lhis Birito Costa was arrested and charged with murder, authorities said Wednesday.
Key takeaways
- Incident: Decomposing body of Evelin Carolina Enamorado-Cisnado, 26, found in a closet after a DoorDash driver reported a foul smell.
- Suspect: Lhis Birito Costa, 23, arrested, charged with murder, held without bond; an ICE detainer has been placed.
- Timeline: Welfare check and discovery March 10, arrest March 11, first court appearance March 12; homicide probe ongoing.
- Investigation lead: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department homicide unit, Detective Grazier-Zerbarini is the lead investigator.
Main story
What happened: discovery, response and arrest
CMPD says officers were called the afternoon of Tuesday, March 10, to an apartment in the Eastway Division near Central Avenue and Norland Road after a DoorDash driver arrived to make a delivery and reported a foul odor and that someone inside “might be dead.” That delivery driver’s concern prompted a welfare check that turned into a homicide investigation.
When officers entered the unit, detectives say they found the body of Evelin Carolina Enamorado-Cisnado, 26, hidden in a closet behind a door and covered with several towels and blankets. CMPD reported the body had already begun decomposing when discovered.
Police located and arrested 23-year-old Lhis Birito Costa on March 11. CMPD interviewed Costa at its Law Enforcement Center before transferring her to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office; she was charged with murder and remains held without bond.
See the CMPD press release for the department’s official account of the incident and response.
Suspect statement and alleged motive
According to court documents reported by local outlets, Costa told investigators she had been in a romantic relationship with Enamorado-Cisnado and allegedly shot her after learning the victim was involved with someone else. That alleged confession is cited in coverage by several outlets.
Further details are available from summaries and reporting by NationalToday and Fox News coverage.
Immigration status and ICE detainer
Authorities confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement has placed a detainer on Costa, meaning federal immigration officials have requested notice should she be released from local custody. Reporting on the detainer and immigration status can be found via Fox News and NationalToday.
Court proceedings and custody status
Costa made her initial court appearance on March 12, when a judge ordered her held without bond. She remains in the Mecklenburg County jail. Authorities have identified the victim and notified next of kin, per CMPD’s statements.
Reporting discrepancies and verification
Early accounts contained inconsistent name spellings and timelines; a March 12 video posted online listed name variants such as “Leah Brito Costa.” CMPD’s official updates confirm the victim was found deceased and that the homicide investigation remains active. For the official account, review the CMPD’s newsroom posting.
Why the DoorDash driver’s report mattered
“The DoorDash driver’s alert led to the welfare check that uncovered the crime.” This case underscores how delivery drivers and service workers can play a critical role in community safety.
Local reporting highlights the driver’s role in initiating the investigation; see local coverage by Local12.
Investigation status and what’s next
CMPD has labeled the matter a homicide investigation and asked anyone with information to contact detectives or Crime Stoppers. The department is processing evidence, interviewing witnesses and coordinating with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office and federal immigration authorities as relevant. Details may shift as detectives release new findings; updates will appear in the CMPD newsroom.
Implications for Redding, California
This Charlotte homicide and the arrest of an undocumented suspect have potential implications for Redding residents, officials and law-and-order-focused readers:
- Public safety and community awareness: Emphasizes vigilance by delivery drivers, neighbors and service workers and the value of timely welfare checks.
- Immigration policy and enforcement: The ICE detainer may renew debate over local cooperation with federal immigration authorities in Shasta County.
- Court and custody procedures: Holding the suspect without bond and coordination between agencies may reassure readers prioritizing strict custody measures.
- Victim services and support: The condition of the body highlights the need for robust victim outreach and rapid welfare-check protocols.
- Local policing and resources: Smaller departments may assess mutual aid, evidence-processing capacity and training to handle similar cases.
- Cultural discourse: The case may intensify community conversations about public order, immigration and domestic violence prevention.
Reporting and sources
This article is based on CMPD’s official release and local and national reporting as of March 16, 2026. Key sources include the CMPD newsroom, a summary from NationalToday, Fox News coverage, and reporting from Local12.
Have information?
If you have information relevant to this investigation, CMPD asks that you contact homicide detectives at 704-432-8477 or submit tips through local Crime Stoppers channels as noted in the CMPD newsroom posting.
