Florida Man Fires Shots After Couple Allegedly Plans Attack on Woman’s Friend, Sentenced to Jail

A Florida couple conspired to kill a male friend of the woman after they reconciled after a month-long breakup. The man allegedly ambushed and took more than a dozen shots at the target. He has been sentenced after the jury found him guilty, and the woman has been named as the co-defendant in the case.

A 26-year-old Florida man, Brandon Pirela, was sentenced to 25 years in prison by Lake County Circuit Judge Cary F. Rada. Pirela was found guilty by a jury of the shooting incident that took place in December 2023. The Judge ordered him to spend 25 years in a state correctional facility. According to authorities, Pirela was found guilty of attempted first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

The shooting incident occured in December 2023, when Pirela fired a series of shots at the target, who narrowly escaped after coming under a barrage of gunfire, according to a news release from the State Attorney Office for Florida’s Fifth Judicial Circuit. Prosecutors said Pirela coordinated the attack with his girlfriend and co-defendant Ariana Gajraj, who lured the victim to a specific location.

Investigators said the victim was sitting in a parked vehicle with Gajraj when a white Toyota Camry pulled up and the driver exited before opening fire. The victim managed to reverse out of the area and fled. He later reported the incident to authorities and identified Pirela as the suspected shooter based on prior threats sent on social media, prosecutors said.

Authorities initially contacted Gajraj, who denied involvement. However, cellphone records later revealed communication between Gajraj and Pirela, discussing plans to set up the victim. The victim’s location was also shared shortly before the shooting.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office responded to Paper Mill Trail in Clermont around 1:53 a.m. Authorities recovered 21 spent 9 mm shell castings scattered across the roadway. Investigators also documented 13 bullet strikes to the victim's vehicle, along with additional damage to a nearby work truck and a mailbox, underscoring the intensity of the gunfire.

The victim told deputies that he had picked up Gajraj so they could talk and smoke marijuana while discussing issues related to Pirela, who had recently re-entered her life. He said he grew increasingly uneasy during the encounter, particularly after Gajraj received a call from Pirela asking about her whereabouts.

Moments later, a car pulled over and the masked driver stepped outside. The victim said he recognized Pirela from photographs. He said he threw the car in reverse and escaped as the gunfire continued.

Investigators said Gajraj later cooperated with the state and testified against Pirela. She also received a sentence of 3 years in prison and a probationary period of 6 years.