Questions surround rapper's murder

PLANT CITY - Detectives want to know who murdered a popular rapper and musician from Plant City.

Shamir Garnelo was killed at a teenager's birthday party in Pasco County, where he was performing. There have been no arrests.

And so far, there are no answers for family and friends left stunned by his death.

"I was shocked. It was almost surreal," said Edwin Newman, youth minister at Knights Baptist Church in Plant City, where Garnelo attended. "Then there's anger because how can someone take such a promising life."

Friends say Garnelo was an extremely talented musician and that he spent a lot of his time at church. He played drums in the church band and dreamed of making it big. At 21, he was already making a name for himself.

"He was very talented, very laid back and a very fun-loving guy," said Justin Ham, who played in the church band with Garnelo. "It's really hit us pretty good. He was someone who was a real friend. You could go to him for anything."

Ham says Garnelo played the drums, the bass and just about any other instrument. When he wasn't practicing at church, friends say, Garnelo was with his brothers and cousins, playing in their own band.

"You could tell that music was his passion. But he loved the relationships he had. He loved his family. He loved the students that he interacted with. He had a good time," Newman said.

Garnelo was also becoming a popular rapper, known as "D.J. Nelo", performing at local parties and events.

Early Saturday morning, he was getting ready to perform at the American Legion Hall in Holiday for a birthday party. But he never took the stage.

Instead, he was found murdered in the bathroom.

"It's a life cut short. It's just so unexpected and devastating." Newman says.

Friends say they can't imagine who or why anyone would kill Garnelo, and Pasco County detectives aren't sure either. Initially, they say the call came in as a stabbing.

But when they got to the party, Garnelo was already dead.

"It's crazy to me to think something can happen that quick and you're gone," Ham says.

Those who played in the band with him say it just won't be the same. None of it, they say, makes any sense.

"A lot of unanswered questions as to why or how somebody could even do something like that to such a good, awesome kid," Ham said.