The Atlanta entertainment community is mourning the loss of Sharell Canty, a well-known club owner and influential figure in the LGBTQ+ community, after she was found dead inside her home in Grayson in what investigators are now treating as a domestic violence-related homicide.

Canty, remembered by friends and supporters as a vibrant personality who brought people together, was discovered unresponsive at her residence on Wilkerson Way during the morning hours of May 24. According to authorities, neighbors became concerned after noticing unusual circumstances at the property and contacted emergency responders.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found Canty deceased inside the home. Investigators later confirmed she had suffered two gunshot wounds to the head.

The shocking discovery immediately sent waves of grief through Atlanta’s nightlife and LGBTQ+ communities, where Canty had built a reputation as a respected business owner and someone deeply involved in creating safe, welcoming spaces for others.

Friends described her as energetic, compassionate, and highly influential within the local entertainment scene. Many people who knew Canty say she was admired not only for her business success but also for the positive energy she brought into the lives of people around her.

“She was loved by so many people,” one community member reportedly shared while reacting to the devastating news.

As investigators worked through the case, authorities quickly identified a suspect connected to the homicide. On May 25, police arrested 48-year-old Stephany Byrom, identified as Canty’s ex-wife.

According to officials, Byrom is now facing multiple serious charges, including malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

Law enforcement authorities have stated that the case is currently being investigated as a domestic violence-related homicide. However, officials have not publicly released a motive explaining what may have led to the deadly shooting.

Investigators also have not disclosed additional details about what allegedly occurred inside the home before Canty’s death.

The lack of answers has fueled widespread speculation online, but police continue urging the public to allow investigators to complete their work as the case develops.

For many people close to Canty, the tragedy has become another painful reminder of how domestic violence can escalate into deadly situations, even involving individuals widely admired within their communities.

Advocates and supporters across social media have since used the case to highlight the importance of recognizing warning signs of domestic abuse and supporting victims before violence turns fatal.

At the same time, loved ones have focused heavily on preserving Canty’s legacy and ensuring she is remembered for far more than the horrific circumstances surrounding her death.

Friends say Canty played an important role in Atlanta’s entertainment culture and LGBTQ+ nightlife scene, often helping connect people, organize events, and create spaces where individuals felt accepted and celebrated.

Tributes have continued pouring in online, with many posting photos, personal memories, and emotional messages honoring her life and influence.

“She had a way of bringing light into a room,” one tribute reportedly read.

As the criminal case against Byrom moves forward, the community continues searching for answers about what may have led to the deadly violence inside the Grayson home.

Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, and additional information may be released as detectives continue examining evidence connected to the case.

For now, however, the focus for many remains on mourning the loss of a woman remembered as a powerful presence in Atlanta’s nightlife and LGBTQ+ community — someone whose life, supporters say, touched far more people than many ever realized.

While legal proceedings continue, loved ones hope Sharell Canty will ultimately be remembered not for the violence that ended her life, but for the positivity, connection, and energy she brought to countless others throughout her life.