(Lake County, FL) Yesterday, 26-year-old Brandon Pirela was sentenced to 25 years in the Florida Department of Corrections after being found guilty of Attempted First Degree Murder with a Firearm and Conspiracy to Commit Murder following a jury trial in January.

The evidence presented at trial established that Pirela carried out a deliberate attempt to kill the victim by firing over 20 shots towards the victim after coordinating with his ex-girlfriend and co-defendant, 23-year-old Arianna Gajraj, to ambush the victim.

On December 1, 2023, the victim reported to the Clermont Police Department that while parked inside their vehicle with Gajraj, a white Camry pulled up with the driver exiting and immediately fired over 20 gunshots at the victim.

The victim was able to reverse their car and flee the area. After dropping Gajraj off, the victim responded to the police station to report the incident. The victim further stated to law enforcement that they believed Pirela was the shooter due to Pirela sending threatening messages to the victim via social media.

Officials made contact with Gajraj, who initially denied speaking with Pirela regarding her whereabouts or the shooting that had just occurred. Cell phone records were obtained by authorities. The records exposed that both Pirela and Gajraj had communicated about setting up the victim, as well as Gajraj telling Pirela where she and the victim were currently located. Both Pirela and Gajraj were arrested and charged accordingly.

Co-defendant Gajraj cooperated with the State and testified against Pirela at his jury trial. Gajraj entered a plea in March and was sentenced to three years in prison, followed by six years of probation for her role in the crime.

This case was investigated by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant State Attorneys Eddie Moffitt and Monica Bodnar successfully prosecuted this case.

Published on 04/14/2026.