Alanda Cuffee, 38, was shot and killed inside a home in Escambia County on April 19, 2026. Deputies responded around 10:30 a.m. to a residence in the 2500 block of Gulf Breeze Avenue after the man accused in the shooting, 64-year-old James Pelzer of Pensacola, called 911 and surrendered outside the home. First responders found Cuffee on the floor near the front door, unconscious and suffering multiple gunshot wounds; she was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators recovered a small black Ruger .380 with an empty magazine and a .380 round on top of a Bible near the door.

The dispute reportedly concerned movement through the kitchen; deputies say Pelzer walked to his bedroom, returned with a handgun, and fired about four or five rounds at Cuffee. Yvonne Pelzer told investigators her husband had prior anger issues and had threatened to use the gun in past situations. James Pelzer was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and held without bond.

Friends and family remembered Cuffee as someone who loved her mother, friends, and family and described her as selfless. If anyone knew Alanda Cuffee or has information about what happened that morning, please share what can help the investigation.