A Florida grand jury has indicted 44-year-old Shahidul Islam, an illegal immigrant, on a charge of premeditated first-degree murder with a firearm for the killing of Monica Islam. Prosecutors have announced they are seeking the death penalty.

Background

Islam, who had previously been deported from the United States and re-entered the country illegally, was apprehended through a joint effort involving local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies after fleeing the state.

Authorities revealed that Islam had traveled to a sanctuary city after the shooting. He was recently processed through the federal justice system for his unlawful entry and was extradited back to Lake County to face the murder charge.

Reaction

Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia addressed the suspect’s immigration status and flight from the area, stating, ‘No family should ever have to endure the pain of such a senseless and horrific act of violence as this one. Florida will continue to stand firm against violent crime, sanctuary cities, and illegal immigration.’

Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell noted the broader context of the case, 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.

Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.