by Lehigh Acres, FL – A quiet weekend of holiday decorating turned into a brutal tragedy when a Florida woman was fatally stabbed inside her friend’s home, and authorities say the suspect — her ex-partner — posted a cheerful photo of them online just hours after the killing.
Police Respond to Deadly Stabbing in Lehigh Acres
Deputies with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office arrived at a Lehigh Acres residence on Saturday, Nov. 8, following a 911 report of a stabbing. Inside the home, officers found 39-year-old Zenaida Alvarez suffering from multiple stab wounds. She died at the scene, according to officials.
Though authorities initially withheld her name publicly, family members later confirmed her identity to Gulf Coast News. Loved ones described Alvarez as a devoted mother of two who was “loved by everyone” and known for always helping others.
Investigators quickly identified 31-year-old Leosbey Cuesta de Armas, Alvarez’s ex-partner from Hialeah, Fla., as the suspect in the killing.
Alleged Ambush During Holiday Decorating Visit
According to the sheriff’s office, Alvarez had traveled with her children to a friend’s home for a weekend visit that included putting up Christmas decorations. Investigators allege that Cuesta de Armas followed her to the property without her knowledge.
Authorities say he was hiding in the pantry when Alvarez’s friend noticed a figure behind the door. Through a slim opening, she saw Cuesta de Armas “glaring at her, holding a knife.” When she screamed, he rushed past her and allegedly attacked Alvarez immediately, stabbing her repeatedly — even after she collapsed to the floor.
Investigators say the suspect fled the residence without speaking a word.
Suspect Arrested After Multi-County Pursuit
Cuesta de Armas was taken into custody on Sunday, Nov. 9, following an attempted escape to Hardee County. According to the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office, he led authorities on a chase before crashing into a pole in Polk County, where he was finally arrested.
He now faces second-degree murder and burglary with battery charges in Lee County. In Polk County, he is also charged with aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer and fleeing with reckless disregard.
Officials noted that online court records for the suspect were not immediately available as of Thursday, Nov. 13.
Social Media Post Raises New Disturbing Questions
Authorities also noted a troubling development: investigators believe Cuesta de Armas was active on Facebook between the time of the killing and his arrest. A Facebook account matching his name, details, and location posted a smiling beach photo of him with a woman who matched Alvarez’s description.
The early Sunday post — appearing just hours after Alvarez’s killing — drew congratulatory messages from followers who assumed the couple was together and happy. But one commenter, identifying herself as a relative of Alvarez, exposed the truth beneath the image.
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“My cousin is unfortunately dead… I don’t know how that man had the courage to upload that photo,” she wrote in Spanish, pleading with viewers not to comment as her family grieved the tragedy.
The disturbing post added an emotional layer to an already shocking case, raising concerns about the suspect’s state of mind in the hours following the attack.
Family Mourns an Irreplaceable Loss
Alvarez leaves behind two children, according to family members. Loved ones told reporters that she was generous, nurturing, and deeply rooted in her community. Her death has left relatives devastated, with many calling for justice as the investigation continues.
Authorities say the case remains open as detectives work through forensic evidence, witness statements, and digital records. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to additional inquiries.
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