TAMPA, Fla. – A shooting at West Dog Park in Tampa has left the community shaken, with friends of the victim, John Walter Lay, alleging that he was targeted for being gay. The accused shooter, Gerald Declan Radford, claims self-defense, but loved ones of Lay dispute this, insisting that he was deliberately singled out.
Friends of Lay are still seeking justice for him, with Vicki Darlington, a close companion of Lay, expressing disbelief over the tragic events. Despite the lack of criminal charges filed so far, the investigation by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office remains ongoing.
Radford maintains that he acted in self-defense, a claim that is met with skepticism by Albert Darlington, another friend of Lay. According to Darlington, Radford had a history of harassing Lay with anti-gay slurs, which had escalated to a violent altercation at the park.
The atmosphere at the dog park has been somber since Lay’s death, as friends remember him as someone who brought people together. For those who knew Lay, the incident highlights the need for inclusivity and safety in public spaces, regardless of one’s sexual orientation.
Legal experts, such as law professor Jeffrey Swartz, question the self-defense narrative put forth by Radford. Swartz argues that the force used in self-defense must be proportional to the threat faced, raising doubts about the validity of Radford’s claim.
As the investigation continues, Lay’s friends are determined to honor his memory, hoping to create a memorial at the park. Jeff Miller, a close friend of Lay, vows to keep fighting for justice, emphasizing that they will not rest until they see accountability for Lay’s tragic death.