Jury Convicts Anas Muhammad of First-Degree Murder in Fatal Stabbing of 16-Year-Old Paola Pagan-Malave
OSCEOLA COUNTY, FL (July 29, 2026) — A jury has convicted Anas Muhammad of first-degree murder in the 2022 fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Paola Pagan-Malave, who was walking to school in Kissimmee when she was killed in the early morning hours.
Muhammad, who was 17-years-old at the time of the offense and was prosecuted as an adult, confessed to killing Paola during the course of the investigation. That confession, along with additional evidence presented at trial, led to the jury’s guilty verdict.
“This verdict holds the defendant accountable for taking the life of 16-year-old Paola Pagan-Malave, whose future was stolen in an act of unimaginable violence,” said State Attorney Monique Worrell. “While today’s verdict delivers justice, it also serves as a heartbreaking reminder that two families have lost their children. Paola’s family continues to grieve the daughter they loved, and another young life has been forever defined by a senseless and irreversible decision. Our hearts remain with everyone impacted by this tragedy, and we hope today’s outcome brings Paola’s loved ones a measure of peace and closure.”
Muhammad is scheduled to be sentenced on October 9.
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The Office of the State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit is represented by The Honorable Monique H. Worrell and serves Orange and Osceola counties in Central Florida. A culturally diverse community, the area is home to over 1.9 million residents and is a vacation destination for millions each year. Our office is committed to making Orlando and the surrounding area a vibrant and safe place to live, work and play.
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For specific media inquiries pertaining to State Attorney Monique Worrell, please contact Belal Jaber at BJaber@sao9.org and Samantha Muchard at SMuchard@sao9.org.
