A Florida woman has been sentenced to prison after admitting she helped plan an ambush shooting targeting one of her male friends. Prosecutors say she worked with her boyfriend to set up the attack, which happened shortly after the couple had reconciled their relationship. Although the victim survived, investigators said dozens of shots were fired during the incident.
Florida Woman Sentenced in Ambush Shooting Plot
A 23-year-old woman in Florida, Arianna Selina Gajraj, has been sentenced to 36 months in prison for her role in planning an attempted murder.
Lake County Circuit Judge Cary F. Rada handed down the sentence after Gajraj pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree murder with a firearm and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder.
Court records show she has already served 602 days in jail while awaiting trial, meaning she has less than a year and a half remaining on her sentence.
Victim Survived Despite Multiple Shots
The shooting took place in Clermont, Florida, when deputies responded to reports of gunfire on Peppermill Trail around 1:53 a.m.
Investigators discovered numerous spent shell casings scattered on the roadway. According to the police affidavit, officers recovered 21 spent 9mm cartridge casings at the scene.
The victim’s car had at least 13 bullet strikes, while a nearby work truck and a mailbox were also hit by gunfire.
Despite the intense shooting, the victim was able to escape without injuries.
Boyfriend Identified as Gunman
Authorities say the shooter was Gajraj’s boyfriend, Brandon Pirela.
In January, a jury found Pirela guilty of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder for his role in the attack. He is currently waiting for his sentencing hearing.
Investigators said the couple had broken up months earlier but reconciled just two days before the shooting took place.
Victim Picked Up Gajraj Before the Shooting
According to investigators, the victim had picked up Gajraj earlier that night. They planned to talk and smoke marijuana while discussing issues involving Pirela.
The victim told police that Pirela had been sending threatening messages during the week before the shooting. The messages suggested Pirela believed the victim and Gajraj were involved in a relationship.
While driving, Gajraj reportedly received a phone call from Pirela asking where she was.
The victim later parked the vehicle on Peppermill Trail.
Gunman Fired Multiple Rounds
Shortly after parking, a white Toyota Camry pulled up in front of the victim’s vehicle.
According to investigators, the driver got out of the car wearing dark clothing and a mask before firing multiple shots from a handgun with an extended magazine.
The victim recognized the attacker’s build and believed it was Pirela, whom he had previously seen holding a similar firearm in a social media photo.
The victim quickly reversed his vehicle and fled the area while the gunman chased him briefly along Old Highway 50.
Eventually, he managed to escape.
Investigators Uncover Messages Planning the Attack
During the investigation, police discovered conversations between Gajraj and Pirela through a text messaging app.
Authorities say the messages revealed the couple discussed a plan to kill the victim.
According to investigators, the plan initially involved attacking the victim while he was getting into his car. Later, the plan changed to blocking his vehicle during a meeting.
Prosecutors said Gajraj suggested that Pirela call her from a blocked number so she could gain the victim’s trust.
She allegedly shared her location with Pirela shortly before the shooting occurred.
The final message sharing her location was sent about 12 minutes before the gunfire began.
Investigators Used Technology and Surveillance Evidence
Police tracked the suspect vehicle using license plate reader technology.
The car was registered to Pirela, and surveillance footage reportedly showed the same vehicle near Gajraj’s home earlier that night.
Authorities also found evidence that Gajraj had been communicating with Pirela through a messaging application for several hours before the attack.
Case Continues as Gunman Awaits Sentencing
While Gajraj has already received her prison sentence, Pirela is still awaiting his sentencing hearing.
Court records show he is scheduled to appear in court again on April 7.
Prosecutors say the case highlights how digital evidence, including messages and location data, can reveal detailed planning behind violent crimes.
