Illegal Immigrant Charged with Murder in Charlotte

Victim's body found decomposing in apartment closet

Mar. 18, 2026 at 4:07am

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A 23-year-old illegal immigrant has been charged with murdering her girlfriend and hiding the body inside an apartment closet in Charlotte, North Carolina. The victim's decomposing body was discovered after a DoorDash driver reported someone might be dead inside the home.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, as well as concerns about the consequences of the government's failure to enforce immigration laws. The death of the victim raises questions about public safety and the need for stronger border security and interior enforcement.

The details

Lhis Birito Costa, an illegal immigrant, was arrested and charged with murdering her 26-year-old girlfriend, Evelin Carolina Enamorado-Cisnado. Police found Enamorado-Cisnado's body hidden in a closet, covered in towels and already decomposing. Costa allegedly shot the victim after learning she was involved with someone else.

  • On Tuesday afternoon, police responded to a welfare check at the apartment.
  • On Wednesday, Costa was located and arrested by police.
  • On Thursday, Costa appeared in court and was ordered held without bond.

The players

Lhis Birito Costa

A 23-year-old illegal immigrant charged with murdering her girlfriend.

Evelin Carolina Enamorado-Cisnado

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

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

Federal immigration authorities who have placed a detainer on Lhis Birito Costa, requesting notification before she is released from local 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

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Lhis Birito Costa out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement and the potential consequences when the government fails to uphold its own laws. The death of Evelin Carolina Enamorado-Cisnado is a tragic reminder of the human cost of lax immigration policies.