Gwinnett County police say 44-year-old Sharell Canty (right) was fatally shot in a home on the 300 block of Wilkerson Way in unincorporated Grayson, Georgia. Her body was discovered by a neighbor on Sunday morning.
On Monday, investigators announced 48-year-old Stephany Byrom was arrested in connection with Canty’s murder. The real estate agent faces charges of malice and felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Authorities described the shooting as a “domestic related homicide.” Canty and Byrom were married, but had reportedly divorced.
Neighbors were stunned by the violence that took place in the small community in southern Gwinnett County.
“All I saw was a bunch of police cars surrounded the area and an ambulance and yellow tape on the house,” neighbor Jordyn Stallworth told Atlanta News First. “It was really just a crazy situation, so I ran right inside and got my mom.”
“We were surprised because this area is so small and so quaint and quiet, so we just couldn’t believe that something like this was happening,” Stallworth said.
Canty was a popular party promoter who hosted LGBTQ+ events at Boogalou restaurant and Opium nightclub in Atlanta.
Canty’s family members are trying to process the senseless murder of their loved one.
Her cousin, Aleatha Hazle-Ponder, took to social media to remember a woman who was deeply loved and cherished by everyone fortunate enough to know her.
“I have been sitting here all day trying to wrap my head around the devastating news that our family received today. My precious baby Sharell Canty was killed yesterday. I ask God how? Why?”
She continued:
“The tears just won’t stop flowing knowing she was robbed of her life with so much more that she had planned to offer this world. If you had the pleasure of being her family or part of her inner circle, you were truly blessed to share in her borrowed time.
Rest easy my sweet baby cousin. Your LeeLee will always cherish our love. Until we meet again my sweet baby girl.”
Another cousin, Jamel, also remembered Canty in an emotional Facebook post.