TAMPA, Florida – The day before John Walter Lay was fatally shot at his favorite dog park in Tampa, he recorded a video. The video was a consequence of a confrontation Lay had with a man who had reportedly been harassing him for months, using homophobic slurs and making threats. According to Lay’s friends and family, the man approached him in the park, yelling, “You’re going to die,” before Lay asked the man to leave him alone. The next morning, the man shot Lay dead, claiming it was an act of self-defense.
The shooter, identified as 65-year-old Gerald Declan Radford, alleges that he acted in self-defense, but Lay’s family and friends dispute this claim. They insist that Lay had been trying to avoid Radford and would have only defended himself if necessary. Lay’s sister, Sabrena Lay Hughes, revealed that Lay had been targeted due to his sexuality and political views.
Lay was a beloved member of the Tampa community, originally from Indiana, and was known for his love of animals and his passion for art. His friends at the dog park described him as a kind and friendly person who had found a sense of family within their group. However, political differences within the group led to tensions, with Lay and Radford, who held opposing views, becoming targets of harassment.
The events leading up to Lay’s tragic death remain a point of contention. The sheriff’s office has released few details about the shooting, and the investigation is ongoing. Lay’s family is seeking justice for his untimely death and remains determined to ensure his memory lives on through his beloved dog, Fala.