Shaniya Charles was 18 and from Orlando when she was shot and killed on January 7, 2022. She was found at the Castilian Apartments on Holden Avenue with a gunshot wound and died after being taken to the hospital. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office opened an investigation that connected the fatal shooting to an argument with her boyfriend, Michael Necy.

Michael Necy, 18 at the time, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. Neighbors reported hearing an argument before the shooting; Necy first denied being at the complex and later changed his account when confronted with witness statements. He told investigators Shaniya had given him a gun and that it accidentally fired when she tried to grab it, a claim the sheriff’s office says did not match the evidence. Records also show Necy was on probation for a prior burglary and violated his curfew the night of the shooting, which led to his being detained and questioned; he admitted calling 911 but gave limited information.

Shaniya’s death raised questions about domestic violence and the events inside the apartment that night. Anyone who knew Shaniya or has information about what happened at the Castilian Apartments is asked to come forward.