TAMPA, Fla. — The State Attorney's Office filed second-degree murder charges against a man who allegedly shot another man at a Tampa dog park in February.
Officials said that despite suspect Gerald Declan Radford claiming self-defense, he was motivated by the fact that the victim, 52-year-old Walter Lay, was gay.
On Feb. 2, officials said Radford told 911 dispatchers he shot Lay. When investigators arrived, Radford to them he got into a "scuffle" with the victim.
There were no eyewitnesses to the shooting and security cameras did not capture the shooting.
After the shooting, multiple community members came forward to report that the suspect was using offensive terms towards Lay on numerous occasions.
Prior to his death, Lay created a cellphone video saying Radford told him he was "gonna die."
Colonel Frank Losat with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said the cell phone video on the victim's phone and character witnesses provided evidence that the suspect did not act in self-defense.
"The homicide detectives have only one chance to put together a very thorough and efficient investigation so they take their time and they're very methodical on the evidence. They collect pictures they take and the interviews they take and the questions they ask. Once that information is gathered, it is then presented to the state attorney's office. The sheriff's office did not go out and charge this individual upfront without the state attorney's office input," said Losat.
Lay had been complaining to his friends about harassment from Radford at West Dog Park for months.
"Some time prior to the shooting, we're not positive on a timeframe at this point, the suspect and the victim have an altercation over the victim's sexual orientation," said Losat.
Radford was arrested on March 8. The state attorney's office said it would seek an enhancement as a hate crime.
"We should all be able to enjoy a day at the dog park without the fear of gunfire. This victim also deserved to live free from fear and discrimination based on his sexual orientation. The evidence shows the defendant’s actions were motivated by hate, and he will be held accountable. My heart is with the victim’s family and large group of friends as we fight for justice together,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez.
Radford remains in the Hillsborough County Jail.
The ABC Action News I-Team looked into the shooting before charges were filed.
