A Florida grand jury has indicted 44-year-old Shahidul Islam on a charge of premeditated first-degree murder with a firearm for the killing of Monica Islam, prompting prosecutors to officially announce they are seeking the death penalty.
The indictment, handed down in Lake County, follows an investigation into the May 2, 2025, shooting. According to officials, Shahidul Islam “unlawfully and with premeditation killed Monica Islam while possessing and discharging a firearm.”
Following the incident, Islam fled the state but was eventually apprehended through a joint effort involving local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
“We appreciate the outstanding work of the investigating agencies and our federal partners whose cooperation ultimately led to the defendant’s apprehension and transfer to face justice here in Lake County,” said Bill Gladson, State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit. “While no prosecution can restore the life that was taken or erase the pain experienced by Monica’s family, we can pursue justice on their behalf and hold this offender accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Authorities revealed that Islam had previously been deported from the United States and re-entered the country illegally before the homicide took place. After the shooting, officials say he traveled to a sanctuary city. He was recently processed through the federal justice system for his unlawful entry, and upon completing his sentence for that offense, he was extradited back to Lake County to face the murder charge.
Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia addressed the suspect’s immigration status and flight from the area following the grand jury’s decision.
“No family should ever have to endure the pain of such a senseless and horrific act of violence as this one. Shahidul Islam illegally entered our country after being deported, committed this heinous crime, and then fled to a sanctuary city,” Ingoglia said. “Florida will continue to stand firm against violent crime, sanctuary cities and illegal immigration and we will never apologize for putting the safety of law-abiding families first. I commend State Attorney Bill Gladson, Sheriff Payton Grinnell, and every law enforcement officer and investigator whose tireless work ensured this suspect was brought to justice. This sends a clear message: if you commit a violent crime in Florida, we will find you, we will prosecute you, and we will pursue the fullest extent of the law.”
Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell also noted the broader context of the case while praising the coordination between the various departments involved in tracking the suspect down.
“The murder of Monica Islam is yet another example in an ever-growing list of senseless, violent crimes committed by those who are in our country illegally,” Sheriff Grinnell stated. “I’m extremely proud of the hard work of our detectives and the interagency cooperation that led to Islam’s arrest. We hope this brings a good measure of peace and closure to Monica’s family.”
The decision to pursue capital punishment falls under Florida Statute 921.1426, which allows the state to seek the death penalty based on the severity of the offense and its impact on the victim’s family. Islam is currently being held without bond at the Lake County Detention Facility, and Assistant State Attorney Thomas Wieczorek has been assigned to prosecute the case.
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