TAMPA, Fla. – The fatal shooting of John Walter Lay at West Dog Park has sparked outrage among his family and friends, who believe he was targeted for being gay. Lay, also known as “Walt,” was shot and killed on Feb. 2, and no criminal charges have been filed against the accused shooter, Gerald Declan Radford.
Lay’s friends and acquaintances revealed that he had been frequently harassed by Radford, who would reportedly use anti-gay slurs against Lay. Despite their differing political and social views, Lay and his friends had tried to avoid Radford by gathering in a different part of the park. However, the animosity persisted, resulting in tensions that escalated into the fatal shooting.
Community organizations, including the Florida National Organization for Women and Equality Florida, have condemned the shooting and called for a thorough investigation to ensure that bias does not hinder the pursuit of justice. Meanwhile, friends of Lay have expressed concerns about the lack of charges against Radford, fearing for the safety of the public at the park.
Prior to the shooting, Lay had documented an alleged encounter with Radford, capturing the moment when Radford reportedly threatened him. Lay’s reluctance to involve the police, out of fear that the situation would worsen, adds a layer of tragedy to the sequence of events that led to his death.
As the investigation continues, the question of whether a hate crime charge will be considered remains unanswered. With emotions running high, the call for justice for Lay echoes loudly among those who knew and loved him, as they remember him as a kind and loving person who did not deserve to meet such a tragic end.