TAMPA, Fla. – Pet owners at West Dog Park in Tampa’s Leto community are reeling from the tragic death of one of their own, John Walter Lay. The close-knit group of park regulars gathered to mourn Lay, who was shot and killed at the dog park on Feb. 2. Friends of Lay have expressed shock and disbelief over the incident, questioning why someone would bring a gun to a dog park early in the morning.
The evening before his death, Lay had sent a video to a friend, detailing an altercation that took place with another frequenter of the dog park, George Declan Radford. According to Lay’s friends, Radford had a history of hurling homophobic slurs at Lay. Despite this, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office did not make an arrest, as Radford claimed self-defense and there were no witnesses to confirm or deny his claim.
Amid the tragedy, the case has attracted the attention of Equality Florida, with the Tampa Bay community organizer expressing the need for a thorough and fair investigation. The vigil for Lay also served as a platform to push for justice and memorialize him in the LGBTQ community.
In the wake of Lay’s death, there is a growing movement to honor his memory at the dog park. Suggestions such as installing a bench, marker, or even renaming the park in his honor are being explored by Equality Florida and Lay’s friends. Those who knew Lay highlight his contribution to advocating for LGBTQ rights, recalling his discharge from the Navy due to his sexual orientation and his participation in the March on Washington in ’93 to support gays in the military.
As the community continues to seek justice for Lay and other victims of violence, the tragic incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and fairness. Now, Lay’s friends are determined to keep his memory alive and ensure that his legacy has a lasting impact.