Orange County man charged with first-degree murder after neighbor’s death in loud music dispute

Arrest follows January 21 shooting at Moselle Avenue apartments

An Orange County man has been arrested and charged in connection with a fatal shooting that investigators say began with a confrontation over loud music at an apartment complex near Old Cheney Highway and State Road 436.

Deputies responded at about 10:30 p.m. on January 21, 2026, to the 1200 block of Moselle Avenue, where they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim, identified as 38-year-old Arnold Rapatalo, was taken to a hospital and later died.

What investigators say happened

Investigators allege the suspect, 32-year-old Michael Thrasher Jr., left his own apartment and went to Rapatalo’s unit to complain about loud music or noise coming from inside. Authorities say surveillance video captured Thrasher kicking and banging on the door and trying the door handle in an apparent attempt to get into the apartment.

After Rapatalo opened the door, investigators allege Thrasher pushed the door farther open and used his foot to keep it from closing. A verbal dispute followed, and authorities say the encounter turned physical, with Thrasher striking Rapatalo at least once.

The confrontation then moved outside the apartment. Investigators allege Thrasher backed away during the struggle, pulled a gun from his waistband and fired a single shot toward Rapatalo’s chest. A nearby resident told deputies the sound was a “big boom,” likening it to a shotgun blast.

Charges and case posture

Thrasher was booked into the Orange County Jail and faces two felony charges: first-degree murder and armed burglary of an occupied dwelling with battery. The filing of a first-degree murder charge indicates prosecutors are alleging circumstances that, under Florida law, can elevate a homicide beyond a second-degree murder allegation, including situations tied to certain felonies.

The case remains at the early stages of the criminal justice process. The charges are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Key confirmed facts from the investigation

• The shooting occurred on January 21, 2026, in the 1200 block of Moselle Avenue in Orange County.
• The victim was identified as 38-year-old Arnold Rapatalo, who later died at a hospital.
• The suspect was identified as 32-year-old Michael Thrasher Jr., who was arrested about a week later.
• Authorities allege the incident began as a dispute over loud music or noise and was captured in part on surveillance video.

“It was just a big boom, like a shotgun blast,” a nearby resident told deputies.

Investigators have not publicly released additional details about any prior interactions between the neighbors, nor have they disclosed further evidence beyond the descriptions contained in arrest documents and statements summarized by law enforcement.