A 20-year-old cosmetology student’s promising future was violently extinguished in a parking lot outside her beauty school, in what authorities have classified as a domestic murder-suicide. Aileen Martinez, from North Miami but residing in Davie, Florida, was fatally shot on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, in the parking area of the Aveda Institute of South Florida on University Drive near Griffin Road. The perpetrator, her 25-year-old ex-boyfriend who had allegedly been stalking her, carried out the attack before turning the firearm on himself. He was rushed to a hospital in critical condition but succumbed to his injuries shortly after.

The incident erupted just after 2 p.m., transforming an ordinary afternoon into chaos. Witnesses inside the school heard multiple gunshots, sparking immediate panic and a series of desperate 911 calls. One caller, clearly shaken, urged dispatchers: “Hurry, could somebody please bring a cop, somebody got shot at the Aveda Institute on University.” Another described the unfolding horror from inside the building: “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.” Officers arrived to find Martinez deceased inside a white SUV, the scene secured as investigators pieced together the tragic sequence.

Davie Police Department quickly determined the shooting stemmed from a prior romantic relationship. The suspect, whose name has not been publicly released pending family notifications or further protocol, had reportedly engaged in stalking behavior toward Martinez before the fatal encounter. While the precise motive remains part of the ongoing investigation, the case highlights the deadly escalation that can follow persistent harassment after a breakup. Nearby schools, including St. David Catholic School and Know It All Preparatory School, were placed on precautionary lockdown until the area was deemed safe.

Martinez was pursuing her passion at the Aveda Institute, training in cosmetology with ambitions to one day own and operate her own salon. Her creativity extended beyond beauty; she had dedicated four years to studying music at a school in Miami and frequently performed with local bands, bringing energy and joy to stages across the area. Friends and family remembered her as inseparable from her younger siblings—a 17-year-old brother and a 10-year-old sister—and someone who embraced life with infectious enthusiasm. Her vibrant personality left an indelible mark on classmates, teachers, and the broader community.

In a heartfelt news release issued on Thursday, January 29, her family expressed their overwhelming 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 statement not only conveyed profound sorrow but also served as a powerful call against domestic violence and the lingering threats that can persist post-separation.

A close friend, Rachel Tracey, swiftly established a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral and burial costs, describing the loss as resulting from a “sudden act of violence.” The fundraiser captured Martinez’s spirit, noting how her light had been extinguished far too soon. In the school parking lot where the tragedy occurred, heartbroken classmates and friends created an impromptu memorial filled with flowers, candles, handwritten notes, and mementos—turning a site of horror into one of collective mourning and remembrance.

The Aveda Institute, a hub for aspiring beauty professionals in the Davie area, reopened under a heavy cloud of grief. Counseling services were made available to students and staff grappling with the trauma of the event unfolding steps from their classrooms. Local outlets like NBC 6 South Florida, WPLG Local 10, the Miami Herald, and CBS Miami covered the story extensively, amplifying the family’s identification of Martinez and the broader implications for community safety.

This case underscores a persistent and alarming pattern in intimate partner violence: stalking often serves as a precursor to lethal attacks, with many victims facing heightened risk precisely when attempting to end abusive or controlling relationships. Experts emphasize that behaviors such as unwanted persistent contact, surveillance, or threats should never be dismissed, and reporting mechanisms, protective orders, and support networks play crucial roles in prevention. Martinez’s story has prompted renewed discussions in South Florida about resources for those escaping toxic dynamics, including hotlines, shelters, and legal avenues.

As the investigation proceeds, authorities continue to review witness accounts, any available surveillance footage from the school or nearby areas, and digital evidence that may illuminate prior interactions. The absence of the suspect alive means no trial will unfold, shifting the focus entirely toward supporting the bereaved family and advocating for systemic changes to protect vulnerable individuals.

Tributes across social media and local networks have poured in, with peers sharing memories of Martinez’s talent in the classroom, her musical performances that energized crowds, and her kind, uplifting presence. The stark contrast between her aspirations—building a career in beauty, sharing her music, nurturing family bonds—and the violent end has fueled widespread sorrow and calls for awareness.

In Davie, a community known for its family-friendly atmosphere near the bustle of greater Miami, healing efforts are underway. Vigils are being planned, support groups mobilized, and organizations focused on domestic violence prevention have offered assistance. The parking lot memorial may eventually fade, but the impact of this loss endures as a somber reminder: no one should pay with their life for the courage to walk away.

Martinez’s legacy lives through the inspiration she provided to her siblings, the melodies she created with bands, and the dreams she pursued at Aveda. Her family’s condemnation of the violence carries a universal message—one that demands attention, action, and change to prevent future tragedies of this kind.