Atlanta Club Owner Shot Twice in Head, Remembered as ‘A Real One’ by Heartbroken Friends

A club owner of the Opium Nightclub in Atlanta was fatally shot in the head in a domestic-related homicide incident. Authorities have arrested one suspect who is facing multiple charges.

A 44-year-old club owner in Atlanta, identified as Sharell Canty, was shot in the head twice during a domestic-related homicide incident on May 24. The incident occurred at a residence in Grayson. Authorities have arrested one suspect, identified as Stephany Byrom, 48. Canty's body was discovered by a neighbor who alerted authorities and named the suspect, according to the arrest warrant.

Canty was a co-owner of a club in Atlanta known as the Opium Nightclub. Investigators in Gwinnett County determined the shooting incident was a domestic-related homicide.

"Right now we do believe that this was an isolated incident, so there should be no concern for the public at this time," Sergeant Jennifer Richter told WSB-TV on May 25.

According to jail records, Byrom was arrested on May 24. Byrom is facing several charges, including murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, felony assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, according to court records. Byrom is currently in custody at the Gwinnett County Jail.

The Gwinnett County Police Department said that Canty was killed in a "domestic-related homicide," according to CBS Atlanta. However, the nature of the relationship has not yet been revealed by authorities. The investigation is ongoing.

After the news of Canty's murder, her friends and family paid tribute to her and celebrated her impact on Atlanta’s nightlife.

“We’re all just mourning right now. We’re all missing our sister, missing our friend, missing Canty,” Henry said to 11Alive. Canty had “her own aura,” Henry said, adding, “when she walks into a club, everybody knows Canty’s here. She knew how to run a business, and she knew what to do to keep the business going. She just had people in place that helped her align the business and take it to the top.”

“This feels like a sick dream,” Tamera Young, a former WNBA player, said of Canty’s death in a Facebook post. “One of my favourite people. I’m hurting so bad typing this,” the post read. “You were a real one, a good one, a heart of gold. You wanted people to be happy and enjoy themselves,” she added. “Had I known Thursday (May 21st) night would be our last dinner and night kickin', I would have just stayed longer.”