Murder Charges Filed Against Bangladeshi Man in Florida

A man from Bangladesh was charged with the murder of his sister-in-law, whose body was discovered last year along a Florida road. Shahidul Islam, 44, faces first-degree premeditated murder charges for the killing of 44-year-old Monica Islam on May 2, 2025, as announced by prosecutors on Friday.

Lake County State Attorney Bill Gladson indicated that the prosecutors are pursuing the death penalty, emphasizing that this crime should not have happened if immigration systems were functioning as they should.

According to Gladson, this tragic incident was entirely preventable, highlighting a troubling history involving Shahidul Islam and U.S. immigration authorities.

Reports suggest that both Monica’s husband Rashedul Islam and Shahidul were previously accused of domestic violence against her in December 2024.

Monica was last seen at a convenience store where her daughter was employed, captured on surveillance footage approaching her brother-in-law’s vehicle before vanishing.

A passerby discovered her body on the roadside near Mount Dora. She had suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head.

Investigators found suspicious online searches linked to the murder on the day it occurred, as well as key evidence in Shahidul’s car, including a bullet, blood stains, and a broken window, which matched Monica’s DNA.

Following the murder, Shahidul purportedly rented another vehicle and sought refuge in a sanctuary city in New York.

Gladson further noted that Shahidul Islam had attempted to navigate the U.S. immigration system for over five years, having been previously deported, re-entered the United States illegally, and served a prison sentence for immigration violations before being placed under supervised release.

He failed to report to his probation officer and vanished, allegedly using a false identity while traveling.

Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia remarked that no family should endure such unnecessary violence, calling Shahidul’s actions heinous after illegally re-entering the country and committing the murder.

Law enforcement managed to locate Shahidul in New York through a collaborative operation, leading to federal immigration charges and his return to Lake County to face murder charges.

Ingoglia emphasized Florida’s commitment to combatting crime and illegal immigration, asserting that the safety of law-abiding families remains a priority.