Suspect arrested in mistaken identity shooting that left woman paralyzed

DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, Fla.— The fourth suspect wanted in connection to a shooting that left a DeFuniak Springs mother paralyzed is in custody.

Khalil Staley has been arrested in Ocala by the US Marshals Task Force in Marion County.

He is awaiting extradition to Walton County where he will face charges for attempted murder.

The four suspects are being charged with attempted murder for the January 2021 shooting that left a DeFuniak Springs woman paralyzed from the chest down.

On the evening of January 10, 2021, suspects fired more than 16 bullets at Juana Arano’s vehicle as she drove on Highway 90 in DeFuniak Springs, according to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.

One of those bullets struck Arano in the back, severing her spinal cord, leaving her unable to feel anything below her sternum.

The suspects made a second pass at the vehicle, firing at a scared and confused Arano.

Unbeknownst to the suspects, they had not hit their intended target. While all four had the intention of violence that night in January Juana Arano became the victim in a case of mistaken identity, the WCSO said in a press release.

It’s a day that still haunts Juana Arano in her dreams. The incident left the mother of two living a real-life nightmare; unable to move without the aid of a wheelchair.

“The hell the Arano family has gone through since that night has tested the very core of their beliefs,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson.

“But our community has rallied around them and justice is here.”

Over the last 12 months, Walton County Sheriff’s Office spent countless hours gathering video surveillance, phone records, and statements. Rewards were offered for information and investigators worked diligently despite uncertainties about motive and reason.

During the course of the investigation, information was gained identifying four suspects as having involvement in the “drive-by” style shooting.

Elijah Neal, 20, along with Glenda Hamilton, 23, Khalil Staley, 22, and Nicholas Campbell, 21, have been charged with conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, and firing a gun into an occupied vehicle.

“While they were out walking around living normal lives, the Arano family was trying to navigate this tragic situation that has affected all of their lives,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson.

“I am proud that our investigators can put this case to rest and bring peace to the victim and her family. Justice will be served.”

Elijah Neal was arrested on January 6 and booked into the Walton County Jail.

Hamilton is currently incarcerated on unrelated charges and has been sentenced to 30 years in the Department of Corrections.

Nicholas Campbell turned himself into the Walton County Jail Sunday, January 9^th.

Khalil Staley was arrested in Ocala on Feb. 15.

To donate to the Arano family, please visit their GoFundMe.