(Lake County, FL) Today, State Attorney Bill Gladson of the Fifth Judicial Circuit, alongside Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia and Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell, announces the grand jury indictment of 44-year-old Shahidul Islam.

A grand jury was convened earlier today to determine whether there was sufficient evidence to charge Shahidul Islam. The grand jury returned a true bill of indictment for Premeditated First-Degree Murder with a Firearm, F.S.S. 782.04(1)(a)1, 775.087(1), 775.087(2)(a)1, 775.087(2)(a)2, and 775.087(2)(a)3.

“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, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “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.”

On May 2, 2025, Shahidual Islam did unlawfully, with premeditation, murder Monica Islam, and during the commission of the offense, Shahidul Islam actually possessed and discharged a firearm.

“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,” remarked Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia. “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.”

After being sentenced for his most recent criminal case for his unlawful entry into the United States, Shahidul Islam was extradited back to Lake County pursuant to his arrest warrant for first degree murder, where he remains in custody and is held without bond at the Lake County Detention Facility.

“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. 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,” stated Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell.

Given the severity of the crime as reflected in the legislature’s enactment of Florida Statute 921.1426 and the crime’s impact on the victim’s family, the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office is seeking the death penalty pursuant to Florida Statute 921.1426.

Assistant State Attorney Thomas Wieczorek is prosecuting the case.

Published on 07/08/2026.