He Shared a Happy Photo with His Ex on Facebook. Police Say He Fatally Stabbed Her the Day Before

A Florida man has been charged with violently killing his former partner after allegedly tracking her to another city where she was helping a friend put up Christmas decorations.

Deputies from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a stabbing report at a home in Lehigh Acres, Fla., on Saturday, Nov. 8. There, they found 39-year-old Zenaida Alvarez suffering from multiple stab wounds. She died at the scene, according to authorities.

Investigators identified 31-year-old Leosbey Cuesta de Armas, of Hialeah, Fla., as both Alvarez’s ex-partner and the primary suspect in her killing.

Authorities allege that Cuesta de Armas followed Alvarez to the residence where she was visiting a friend with her children. According to the sheriff’s office, he was discovered hiding inside a pantry, staring out while holding a knife. When the witness screamed, he reportedly rushed out and repeatedly stabbed Alvarez, continuing even after she collapsed.

He fled the home immediately afterward, investigators said.

Cuesta de Armas was arrested on Sunday, Nov. 9, after a pursuit that ended when he crashed into a pole in Polk County, the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office announced.

Additionally, between the stabbing and his capture, a Facebook profile matching his name, photo, and location shared an image of him with a woman resembling Alvarez. Commenters congratulated him on the post, while another user accused him publicly of killing a family member and expressed devastation over the tragedy.

Alvarez was a mother of two. Her family told Gulf Coast News that she was deeply loved and known for always helping others.

Cuesta de Armas is now facing charges including second-degree murder and burglary with battery in Lee County. He is also charged with aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer and fleeing with reckless disregard in Polk County.

Online court record searches as of Thursday, Nov. 13, did not show case listings for Cuesta de Armas in either county.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has not provided additional comment.