TAMPA, Fla. – The fatal shooting of John Walter Lay, a man from Tampa, has left his family and friends calling for justice. Lay was shot and killed at West Dog Park on Feb. 2, with those close to him claiming that the accused shooter targeted him for being gay. Despite this claim, no criminal charges have been filed as of now. Family and friends of Lay are demanding answers and action in response to this tragic event.
According to those who knew Lay well, the accused shooter, identified as Gerald Declan Radford, had a history of targeting Lay with harassment and anti-gay slurs. Lay and his friends even went out of their way to avoid Radford at the park due to the frequency of the harassment. This escalated to a point where Lay documented an alleged encounter with Radford the day before his death, stating that Radford had threatened him.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has remained tight-lipped about the details of the case, citing an ongoing investigation. This has sparked outrage and concern within the community, prompting organizations like the Florida National Organization for Women to denounce the fatal shooting. Equality Florida, an LGBTQ+ advocacy group, has also condemned the shooting, echoing the call for further investigation into the anti-gay motives behind Lay’s death.
In the wake of these developments, friends of Lay have expressed their disbelief at the lack of action taken against Radford. Despite his history of harassment and the documented threats made against Lay, Radford has not faced any charges. This has led to concerns about public safety at the park and a call for a thorough investigation and accountability for the shooting.
As Lay’s loved ones continue to seek justice for his untimely death, the community is left grappling with the tragic impact of anti-LGBTQ violence. With the State Attorney’s Office yet to respond to inquiries about a potential hate crime charge, the future of this case remains uncertain. However, for those who knew Lay, the memory of a loving and kind soul lost to senseless violence remains at the forefront of their minds.