TAMPA, Fla. – A community at West Dog Park in Leto, Tampa, mourned the loss of one of their own, John Walter Lay. He was tragically shot and killed at the dog park on Feb. 2. Lay had sent a foreboding video to a friend the evening before his death, recounting an incident with George Declan Radford and raising concerns about death threats. Friends of Lay’s claim that Radford, the suspected shooter and also a regular at the dog park, had a history of directing homophobic slurs towards Lay. Despite this, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office did not arrest Radford, as he claimed self-defense and there were no witnesses to confirm or deny his claim.
Lay’s tragic death has caught the attention of Equality Florida, with the Tampa Bay community organizer, Ant Avila, advocating for a thorough and fair investigation into the case. At the same time, the community is searching for ways to honor Lay’s memory, considering options such as naming the park in his honor, installing a bench, or placing a marker. This desire to memorialize Lay is not just a personal loss for his friends and family, but also a sign of the ongoing fight for justice within the LGBTQ community.
Lay’s friends and community members remember him as a strong advocate for LGBTQ rights, having been discharged from the Navy because of his sexual orientation. Furthermore, they recall his participation in supporting the LGBTQ community during the March on Washington in ’93 to advocate for the rights of gays in the military. This tragedy has reignited the community’s resolve to continue fighting for justice and fair treatment.
The senseless loss of John Walter Lay has brought the Leto community together in grief, but it has also amplified the calls for justice and recognition of his legacy. As they navigate this difficult time, Lay’s friends and the broader community are determined to ensure that his memory is not forgotten and that his death sparks meaningful change.