A violent, drug-driven home invasion ended in death at a Pinellas County home Tuesday morning.

  • Robert Alcalde died after he reportedly broke into a Clearwater home
  • Clearwater Police interacted with Alcalde an hour earlier
  • Alcalde, 31, had been released from prison in March, authorities say

According to deputies with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Robert Alcalde, 31, broke into the home of Heather and Steven Aiosa through the couple’s front window.

They woke in a panic to banging, chaos and a drug-crazed Alcalde standing in their bedroom.

Steven, 43, reportedly grabbed the two weapons he had at his disposal – a gun and a machete – and managed to force Alcalde outside, but not before the man tackled and attacked Heather, 40.

"In defense of his wife,” started Sheriff Bob Gualitier, “He took the machete and began striking this guy and at that point the intensity of the fight got worse.

“It did not stop him from resisting, it did not stop him from fighting, even though he had these big, open, gaping gashes."

Neighbors had heard the commotion, and help was already on the way.

"She was screaming,” said the Aiosa’s neighbor, Kayla. “Just screaming.”

Deputies arrived and used a stun gun on Alcalde six times. They say he died on the way to the hospital.

Following the attack, investigators discovered that mere hours before the break-in, Alcalde had contact with law enforcement.

At the time, Clearwater Police said he hadn’t broken any laws and wasn’t suitable for the Baker Act.

Investigators interviewed Alcalde's father, who said he has a “bad drug problem.” In addition, he has a criminal history dating back 19 years.

In March, he was released from prison after serving two years on a burglary conviction.

"There is no indication of any familiarity between Alcade and the Aiosa's whatsoever,” said Sheriff Gualitier. “No indication of targeting. It was opportunity perhaps."

*The home invasion took place at 3060 Terrace View Lane.