Tampa Archives

Rapper Foolio Killed in Shooting at Tampa Hotel During Birthday Celebrations

Tampa, Fla. — In a tragic turn of events during a weekend meant for celebration, rapper Foolio, whose real name is Charles Jones, was fatally shot at the age of 26. The incident occurred outside a Holiday Inn in Tampa, where the artist was reportedly ambushed following his birthday celebration. Foolio had initially planned to host his birthday party at an Airbnb rental but was forced to move after the gathering exceeded the property’s occupancy …

arrest made in Tampa shooting that left two dead

TAMPA, FLORIDA – A violent altercation on a Tampa street turned deadly leaving two individuals dead in a tragic shooting incident. The Tampa Police Department swiftly responded to a ShotSpotter alert followed by reports of gunfire on May 3rd, unveiling a scene of chaos and tragedy in the 900 block of E. 26th Ave. Upon arriving at the location, officers discovered two victims who had succumbed to gunshot wounds – a white female in her …

Man Charged with Murder of Gay Victim at Tampa Dog Park in Hate Crime Case

Tampa, Florida – A Florida man was charged with murder in connection with the fatal shooting of a gay man at a Tampa dog park on Feb. 2, according to the Hillsborough State Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors revealed that the victim was targeted because of his sexual orientation. Gerald Declan Radford, 65, of Tampa, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder in the death of John Walter Lay, 52. The arrest came after investigators gathered evidence …

Florida Man Charged with Murder in Targeted Shooting at Tampa Dog Park Based on Victim’s Sexual Orientation

Tampa, Florida – A murder charge has been filed against a Florida man in connection with the tragic shooting of a gay man at a Tampa dog park. According to prosecutors, the victim was targeted due to his sexual orientation. Gerald Declan Radford, 65, of Tampa, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in the death of John Walter Lay, 52. Lay had confided in his friends about threats he had received from a …

Friends insist Tampa man was murdered due to his sexual orientation, not self-defense

TAMPA, Fla. – The death of John Walter Lay, known as “Walt,” at West Dog Park on Feb. 2 has sparked controversy as his friends claim he was targeted because of his sexual orientation. Lay’s accused shooter, Gerald Declan Radford, has asserted self-defense as the reason behind the shooting, but Lay’s loved ones refute this claim, alleging that Lay was subjected to harassment and anti-gay slurs from Radford. Vicki Darlington, a close friend of Lay, …

Tragic Shooting at Tampa Dog Park Sparks Outcry for Justice and LGBTQ Memorials

TAMPA, Fla. – The West Dog Park in Tampa’s Leto community is a place where the bond between humans and their canine companions runs deep. For the regular visitors of the park, it is a community where friendships are forged, and memories are made. Unfortunately, a tragic incident has shaken this close-knit group. On a particular Saturday morning, the park was not the usual cheerful gathering place it typically is. Instead, it became the site …

Friends and family of fatally shot Tampa man call for justice, say he was targeted for being gay

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 …

Man Fatally Shoots John Walter Lay at Tampa Dog Park: Dispute Over Park Bullying Ends in Tragedy

Tampa, Florida – The day before John Walter Lay was fatally shot in his favorite Tampa dog park, he recorded a video recounting an encounter with a man who had been harassing him for months, according to Lay’s friends and family. Standing beneath a towering tree in the park, Lay spoke into his phone’s camera, detailing the harassment he had endured from the man, who would hurl homophobic slurs and threats at him. The shooter, …

Florida Man Charged in Horrific Triple Murder Case Found in Tampa Bay

ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA – The long unsolved case of the horrific murders of Joan Rogers and her two teenage daughters in Florida in June 1989 has finally been resolved. Oba Chandler, the man convicted of the murders, maintained his innocence until his execution. The bodies of Rogers and her daughters were found in Tampa Bay, tied to concrete blocks using yellow polypropylene rope. For three years, the case went unsolved until a breakthrough led to …