On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, a tragic murder-suicide unfolded outside the Aveda Institute South Florida in Davie, leaving 20-year-old student Aileen Martinez and her 25-year-old ex-boyfriend dead. The incident occurred in the school’s parking lot on the 4100 block of University Drive, just north of Griffin Road, and has shaken the Fort Lauderdale community.
Police reports indicate that Martinez had previously been in a relationship with the suspect, but the relationship had ended prior to the shooting. Investigators believe the suspect confronted her in the parking lot, where he fatally shot her before turning the gun on himself. He was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition but later died from his injuries.
The shooting took place shortly after 2 p.m., a time when students and staff were present on campus. Cellphone video captured the chaos as students evacuated the building with their hands raised, while cries and panic spread across the area. Officers quickly secured the scene, and the Maryland Transportation Authority Police assisted in ensuring the safety of those nearby.
Authorities have emphasized that the attack was targeted and stemmed from the prior relationship between Martinez and the suspect. They reassured the public that there was no ongoing threat to the neighborhood or the school community. Detectives are continuing to gather evidence, including witness statements and surveillance footage, to piece together the full sequence of events.
The death of Aileen Martinez has left classmates, friends, and family devastated. She was remembered as a bright, outgoing young woman with aspirations for her future in the beauty industry. Her sudden loss has prompted vigils and memorials, with candles and flowers placed outside the school in her honor. Community members have expressed their grief and called for greater awareness around domestic violence and relationship-related tragedies.
As the investigation continues, the Davie Police Department is urging anyone with additional information to come forward. The incident has sparked renewed conversations about campus safety and the importance of support systems for young people navigating difficult relationships. For now, the community mourns the loss of Aileen Martinez, whose life was cut short in a moment of senseless violence.