Death Penalty Sought for Illegal Immigrant Accused of Murdering Sister-in-Law in Florida

Prosecutors in Florida are pursuing the death penalty against Shahidul Islam, an illegal immigrant from Bangladesh, for the premeditated murder of his sister-in-law, Monica Islam. The 44-year-old was indicted this week on a first-degree murder charge.

According to authorities, Shahidul Islam had been deported from the United States but subsequently re-entered the country illegally with the alleged intent to commit the murder. Florida's chief financial officer, Blaise Ingoglia, stated, "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."

Monica Islam was reported missing on May 2, 2025, and was later found shot in the head on the side of the road. She was last seen walking toward Shahidul Islam's vehicle after leaving her job at a convenience store. Investigators found evidence, including bloodstains matching Monica's DNA and a bullet, in Shahidul Islam's car after he was apprehended in New York City on a federal immigration warrant.

Records indicate that Shahidul Islam and Monica's husband, Rashedul Islam (Shahidul's brother), had faced accusations of domestic violence against Monica in 2024. Rashedul reportedly left for Bangladesh following the domestic violence case, and Shahidul was deported, only to re-enter the U.S. with a plan to kill Monica over a property dispute originating in Bangladesh.

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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.