An Orange County man has been charged with first-degree murder after allegedly shooting his neighbor over a dispute about loud music at their apartment complex. According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Michael Thrasher, 32, confronted Arnold Rapatalo, 38, about the noise coming from Rapatalo's apartment last Wednesday.
Surveillance footage appears to show Thrasher to be vocal in his discontent, initially trying to force entry into Rapatalo’s residence by kicking and banging on the door, and turning the doorknob, as detailed by WESH. When Rapatalo opened the door, it was reported by deputies that Thrasher pushed it further open, and a verbal altercation ensued. This confrontation turned physical, escalating to a point outside the apartment where Thrasher allegedly backed away and then shot Rapatalo in the chest.
ClickOrlando reported that Rapatalo later succumbed to his injuries. A neighbor, Derek Williams, described the gunshot to deputies as "just a big boom, like a shotgun blast." Thrasher, now facing charges of first-degree murder (engaged in burglary) and armed burglary of an occupied dwelling with battery, was arrested a week following the incident.
