Troubling details are emerging after a woman accused of killing someone inside an east Charlotte apartment faced a judge for the first time Thursday.
According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, what began as a welfare check Tuesday afternoon became homicide investigation.
Officers say they were called to Central Avenue in Charlotte after a caller reported someone inside an apartment might be dead.
Court documents reveal a DoorDash driver had arrived at the apartment and was told someone inside the home was dead.
When officers entered the apartment, investigators say they discovered a woman’s body hidden inside a closet, behind a door and covered with several towels. Police say the victim’s body had already begun decomposing.
Detectives later arrested 23-year-old Lhis Brito-Costa early Wednesday and charged her with first degree murder.
According to court records, Brito-Costa told investigators she had been in a relationship with the victim and allegedly shot the woman after learning the victim was involved with someone else.
During a first appearance hearing at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse, a judge ordered Brito-Costa to remain in custody without bond while the case moves forward.
Officials also confirmed that an ICE detainer has been placed on Brito-Costa. Authorities have not released additional details about the detainer.
The situation was further complicated by the fact that according to CMDP Brito-Costa is deaf and speaks only Portuguese. Which would make her most likely an illegal immigrant from Brazil.
CMPD Officer Affidavit:
On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at approximately 1637 hours, CMPD Eastway Division Officers responded to a check the welfare call for service at 4343 Central Avenue, Apt. D.
The unknown victim (female) was located deceased and pronounced by an officer on scene at 1712 hours. Detectives are working on positively identifying the victim.
Detectives and Crime Scene responded and collected evidence at the scene. The victim was located covered up inside the closet in one of the bedrooms in the apartment.
Detectives spoke with the residents, Maye (H/F), Avalos (H/M), and Brito (H/F). Maye stated that Avalos is her fiancé and that they have five children together. She stated Brito and the victim have been living with them for the past month: helping out with the kids and they are currently in relationship.
Maye noticed that there was a bad odor in the house for few days, but did not know where it was coming from.
Brito told Maye and Avalos that her uncle had killed the victim, but when Detectives interviewed Brito, she confessed to killing Evelyn because she was angry that Evelyn was cheating on her.
Brito admitted to shooting the victim in the head, covering her body, and placing her in the closet.
This Detective is seeking a charge on Lhis Brito Costa (H/F DOB 04/25/2002) for 1st degree murder.
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