Alisa Espaillat, a 17-year-old Hispanic girl, tragically lost her life on November 4, 2020, in Pompano Beach, Florida. Alisa was a student at Coconut Creek High School and was staying with her family at the Travelodge By Wyndham motel on Northwest 31st Avenue. The incident occurred shortly before 2 a.m. when someone fired shots into the motel room where Alisa was present with her family members. She was struck by bullets in her right shoulder and left cheek.
Despite being rushed to Broward Health North, Alisa succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at 2:23 a.m.
The investigation into Alisa's death revealed that the shooting stemmed from an argument involving her relatives. Two suspects, 23-year-old Jayla Leondrea Patton and 19-year-old Deangelo Cincord, were identified and subsequently arrested. According to reports, Patton and Cincord arrived at the motel room in the middle of the night. Alisa's stepfather, Armando Gonzalez, confronted them and attempted to close the door on them. However, Patton tried to reach into the room, prompting Gonzalez to push her away. Moments later, Cincord opened fire through the window, fatally wounding Alisa.
Both suspects were charged with murder and are being held without bond. Surveillance footage from the motel captured the incident, providing crucial evidence for the case. During a court appearance, Cincord claimed he was unaware that anyone was inside the room, but his public defender advised him not to discuss the facts of the case. The arrests and subsequent charges have brought some measure of justice to Alisa's grieving family, though they continue to mourn the loss of their beloved daughter.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the senseless nature of the crime and the young age of the victim. Alisa's family has expressed their deep sorrow and frustration over the incident, emphasizing that they did not know the suspects prior to the shooting. The legal proceedings against Patton and Cincord are ongoing, with both facing serious charges related to Alisa's death. The community has rallied around the Espaillat family, offering support and condolences as they navigate this difficult time.
