TAMPA, Fla. – A community in Tampa, Florida, is seeking justice for John Walter Lay, known as “Walt,” who was fatally shot at West Dog Park on Feb. 2. While the accused shooter, Gerald Declan Radford, claims self-defense, friends of Lay allege that he was targeted because of his sexual orientation.
Lay’s friends are adamant that the shooting was motivated by hate towards his sexual orientation. Vicki Darlington, a close friend of Lay, expressed shock over the tragic incident, emphasizing that nobody had expected such a horrific event to occur.
Despite the lack of criminal charges being filed, Radford maintains his stance of acting in self-defense. Albert Darlington, another friend of Lay, doubts Radford’s claims, labeling him as a liar based on his own interactions with the accused shooter.
Friends of Lay recall instances where Radford engaged in harassing behavior and used derogatory language towards Lay due to his sexual orientation. They recount how they tried to avoid Radford at the park, yet the harassment persisted, creating a stressful environment for Lay.
The investigation into the shooting remains active, with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office leading the case. Once completed, the findings will be handed over to the State Attorney’s Office for further review.
Legal experts, like law professor Jeffrey Swartz, weigh in on the case, suggesting that the incident may not align with self-defense or stand your ground laws. Swartz emphasizes the importance of proportionate force in such situations and indicates that circumstantial evidence warrants a trial by jury.
While the specifics of the morning of the shooting have not been fully disclosed, Lay’s friends are determined to ensure that his memory is honored. They express a desire to establish a memorial at the park, commemorating Lay’s life and the impact he had on their community. Their commitment to seeking justice for Lay remains unwavering, despite the challenges they may face in the legal process.