Davie, Florida — A tragic murder-suicide took place on Tuesday afternoon, claiming the life of 20-year-old beauty student Aileen Martinez outside the Aveda Institute. Her family confirmed her identity on Thursday, expressing profound grief over her untimely death.
Martinez was shot while seated in a white SUV in the school parking lot. Her ex-boyfriend, 25, who reportedly had been stalking her prior to the incident, shot her before turning the firearm on himself. He was transported to a local hospital in critical condition but succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.
In a statement to the media, Martinez’s parents shared their heartbreak. “Our daughter was taken from us far too soon. We take solace in knowing she embraced life fully while she was here, believing she is now at peace,” they said. They denounced the violence that led to this horrific event and called for a world where individuals feel safe leaving unhealthy relationships.
A makeshift memorial emerged shortly after the shooting, as friends and classmates gathered to pay their respects in the beauty school’s parking lot. Grieving students left flowers and heartfelt messages to honor Martinez’s memory.
Witness accounts of the incident have surfaced through emergency 911 calls. One caller described the chaos, saying, “We heard gunshots outside… one of the students went outside and saw someone with a gun.” In the wake of the shooting, nearby schools were placed on lockdown as law enforcement responded to the unfolding crisis.
Davie police confirmed that the man who committed the act had previously dated Martinez. Authorities are still investigating the motive behind this tragic event.
In the wake of Martinez’s death, her close friend Rachel Tracey has established a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses. She described Martinez as a vibrant soul who had dreams of opening her own beauty salon. Having studied music for four years, Martinez and her friends frequently performed with local bands, showcasing her passion for the arts.
Martinez leaves behind her parents, a younger brother, and a sister, whom she was reportedly very close to. The loss of such a promising young life has shaken the community, prompting discussions about the dangers of stalking and relationship violence.