EUSTIS, Fla. — A community is mourning the loss of Monica Islam, a 44-year-old woman whose recent death has been officially classified as a homicide. Her daughter, who has chosen to remain anonymous for safety reasons, expressed her grief and fear since her mother was found dead in Mount Dora last Friday.
After failing to reach her mother by phone, the daughter sensed something was seriously wrong. Monica had been at a Shell convenience store shortly before her disappearance, taking a call. When her daughter tried to connect with her, she discovered Monica’s phone was turned off, prompting immediate concern.
“Something is really wrong,” she recalled, feeling an overwhelming sense of dread. Authorities soon responded, leading to the discovery of her mother’s body in Mount Dora, confirming her worst fears. “They found out that, yeah, that’s my mom,” she said, struggling to come to terms with the heartbreaking news.
The Eustis Police Department has classified the case as a homicide, with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office now overseeing the investigation. As police continue to gather evidence, a nearby funeral home has provided surveillance footage from the area adjacent to the Shell station, where the daughter believes Monica was taken.
Describing her mother as a kind-hearted person who loved helping others, she said, “She never had a problem with anyone. I can say, she was everything for me.” These words reflect a family’s loss, now overshadowed by fear of the unknown as the investigation unfolds.
Monica’s friends and neighbors are planning a candlelight vigil to honor her memory. The gathering will take place Friday at 7 p.m. at the Shell store where she was last seen, providing an opportunity for the community to come together in remembrance and support for the grieving family.
As the investigation progresses, the daughter is calling for justice while grappling with the distressing reality of losing her mother under such tragic circumstances. The community’s outpouring of support highlights the impact Monica Islam had on those around her and the collective hope for answers in a case that has shaken their small town.