Illegal Immigrant Charged in Charlotte Girlfriend's Murder

Disturbing details emerge as woman accused of hiding victim's body in apartment closet

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:09pm

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An illegal immigrant has been charged with murdering her girlfriend and hiding the victim's decomposing body inside a closet at a Charlotte apartment. Police were called to the home for a welfare check and discovered the victim's body, which had already begun decomposing. The suspect, 23-year-old Lhis Birito Costa, allegedly shot the victim, 26-year-old Evelin Carolina Enamorado-Cisnado, after learning she was involved with someone else. Costa was arrested and charged with murder, and immigration authorities have placed a detainer on her.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate around immigration policy and enforcement, as well as concerns about domestic violence and the safety of LGBTQ+ individuals. The fact that the suspect is an illegal immigrant will likely further inflame tensions around immigration reform and border security.

The details

According to police, officers were called to the apartment on Tuesday afternoon for a welfare check after a DoorDash driver reported someone inside might be dead. When they entered the apartment, they discovered Enamorado-Cisnado's body hidden in a closet, covered in towels and already decomposing. Investigators say Costa, who was in a relationship with the victim, admitted to shooting Enamorado-Cisnado after learning she was involved with someone else.

  • On Tuesday afternoon, police received a call for a welfare check at the apartment.
  • When officers arrived, they discovered the victim's body hidden in a closet.
  • On Wednesday, police located and arrested Costa in connection with the case.
  • On Thursday, Costa appeared in court and was ordered held without bond.

The players

Lhis Birito Costa

A 23-year-old illegal immigrant who has been charged with murdering her girlfriend, Evelin Carolina Enamorado-Cisnado.

Evelin Carolina Enamorado-Cisnado

A 26-year-old woman who was allegedly murdered by her girlfriend, Lhis Birito Costa.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that has placed a detainer on Lhis Birito Costa, meaning they have requested notification before she is released from custody.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the ongoing challenges around immigration enforcement, domestic violence, and the safety of LGBTQ+ individuals. It will likely reignite debates around border security and the treatment of illegal immigrants, as well as the need for greater resources and support to address domestic violence within vulnerable communities.