TAMPA, Fla. – West Dog Park in Tampa’s Leto community has long been a gathering place for both dogs and their owners. However, a sense of tragedy has struck the park after the shooting and killing of John Walter Lay on Feb. 2. Lay, a frequent visitor to the park, was a beloved member of the community, and his untimely death has left a deep impact on those who knew him.
In the wake of Lay’s tragic passing, his friends and fellow park-goers have come together to mourn and seek justice. Lay had reportedly sent a troubling video to a friend the evening before his death, detailing an incident involving another park frequenter, George Declan Radford, who is suspected of being the shooter. Friends of Lay have alleged that Radford directed homophobic slurs at Lay and are questioning the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Following the shooting, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office did not arrest Radford, claiming that he acted in self-defense. However, this decision has sparked outrage and calls for a thorough investigation into the events leading up to Lay’s death. Lay’s friends have emphasized that he did not deserve such a brutal end and are advocating for a fair and comprehensive examination of the incident.
The case has caught the attention of Equality Florida, with community organizer Ant Avila expressing the need for a just and transparent investigation. Not only are Lay’s friends seeking justice, but they are also exploring ways to honor his memory, such as potentially renaming the park or installing a memorial bench. This tragic event has highlighted ongoing struggles within the LGBTQ community, as lay’s discharge from the Navy for being gay and his involvement in LGBTQ activism have resonated with many members of the community.
The loss of John Walter Lay has deeply affected the Tampa community, underscoring the importance of seeking justice and honoring his legacy. As the community continues to mourn his passing, they are also standing together to demand a comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances of his death and to ensure that his memory is perpetuated in a meaningful way.