A promising young cosmetology student’s life was brutally cut short in a daylight murder-suicide that has left the Davie, Florida community in shock and mourning. Aileen Martinez, 20, was fatally shot in the parking lot of the Aveda Institute of South Florida on Tuesday afternoon, January 27, 2026, allegedly by her 25-year-old ex-boyfriend who had reportedly been stalking her. Moments after the attack, the gunman turned the weapon on himself, later succumbing to his injuries at a local hospital.
The tragedy unfolded just after 2 p.m. outside the beauty school on University Drive near Griffin Road. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots, prompting frantic 911 calls from inside the building. One caller pleaded urgently: “Hurry, could somebody please bring a cop, somebody got shot at the Aveda Institute on University.” Another described chaos: “We don’t know exactly what’s going on, we’re inside the building, we heard gunshots outside, one of the students went outside, said that they saw someone with a gun, pointing at a car and they’re also saying they passed by the car and there’s a dead person laying down in the car.” The scene involved a white SUV where Martinez was found deceased inside.
Davie Police Department officers responded swiftly, confirming the incident as a domestic-related murder-suicide. The suspect, whose identity has not been publicly released, was previously in a relationship with Martinez. Authorities noted allegations of prior stalking behavior, though the exact motive remains under active investigation. The two nearby schools—St. David Catholic School and Know It All Preparatory School—were placed on lockdown as a precaution amid the unfolding emergency.
Martinez, a resident of Davie with roots in North Miami, was pursuing her passion for cosmetology at the Aveda Institute, dreaming of one day owning her own beauty salon. Beyond her studies, she had a deep love for music, having studied it for four years at a Miami music school and frequently performing with local bands. Friends and family described her as vibrant, inseparable from her 17-year-old brother and 10-year-old sister, and someone who truly celebrated life. Her sudden loss has devastated those closest to her, who now grapple with the unimaginable pain of burying a child taken too soon.
Her family issued a poignant statement expressing their profound grief: “We are heartbroken that our daughter was taken from us… We take solace in knowing she celebrated life to the fullest while she was with us, and we find comfort in believing she is now at peace. We condemn the violence and stalking that led to this unimaginable loss. No parent should have to bury their child, and no one should ever live in fear for choosing to walk away from a relationship.” The words underscore the broader issue of domestic violence and the dangers that can persist even after ending a toxic partnership.
A close friend, Rachel Tracey, quickly launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral and burial expenses, describing Martinez as a victim of a “sudden act of violence.” The fundraiser highlights her joyful spirit and the void left in her family and community. Heartbroken classmates and friends erected an impromptu memorial in the school parking lot, adorned with flowers, candles, and messages of love, transforming the site of horror into one of remembrance and solidarity.
The incident has shaken the tight-knit Davie area, where the Aveda Institute serves as a hub for aspiring beauty professionals. Students and staff returned to a somber atmosphere, with counseling services offered to process the trauma. Local media outlets, including WPLG Local 10 and the Miami Herald, reported extensively on the family’s identification of Martinez on Thursday, January 29, amplifying calls for awareness about stalking and relationship violence.
This case echoes a disturbing pattern of intimate partner violence escalating to lethal outcomes, particularly when one party attempts to leave. Experts note that stalking behaviors—persistent unwanted contact, surveillance, or threats—often precede fatal attacks, and many victims underestimate the risk until it’s too late. Martinez’s story serves as a tragic reminder of the need for stronger protections, reporting mechanisms, and community support for those escaping abusive dynamics.
As the investigation continues, police are piecing together the timeline leading to the shooting. Forensic analysis, witness statements, and any digital evidence of prior harassment will likely play key roles in understanding the full circumstances. The suspect’s self-inflicted wound ended any possibility of criminal proceedings against him, leaving the focus on supporting the surviving family and preventing future tragedies.
In the wake of the loss, tributes have poured in across social media and local networks. Classmates shared memories of Martinez’s creativity, kindness, and infectious energy in the classroom. Her musical talents were celebrated in posts recalling performances that lit up stages and brought joy to audiences. The contrast between her bright future and the violent end has fueled widespread sorrow and reflection.
The Davie community, known for its family-oriented vibe and proximity to larger Miami areas, now faces the task of healing. Vigils and support groups are being organized, with emphasis on resources for domestic violence survivors. Organizations specializing in stalking prevention and victim advocacy have stepped forward to offer assistance, hoping to turn this heartbreak into meaningful change.
Martinez’s legacy endures through the lives she touched—her siblings who looked up to her, the bands that shared stages with her, and the future clients she never got to serve in her dreamed-of salon. Her family’s condemnation of the violence highlights a universal truth: choosing to walk away from a harmful relationship should never cost someone their life.
As authorities finalize their report and the family prepares to lay Aileen to rest, the story stands as a somber call to action. Awareness, vigilance, and swift intervention can save lives. In Davie, the parking lot memorial will fade with time, but the lessons from this senseless loss must not.
