TAMPA, Fla. (WWSB) – The State Attorney’s Office has filed second-degree homicide expenses towards Gerald Declan Radford within the taking pictures dying of a 52-year-old man on the West Dog Park in Tampa.
The defendant alleged self-defense, however following an intensive investigation, the proof exhibits Radford was the aggressor and was motivated by the truth that the sufferer was a homosexual man.
In addition, the state might be searching for an enhancement as a hate crime below Florida Statute 775.085.
Radford referred to as 911 on the morning of Feb. 2 and informed dispatchers he shot a person within the canine park. When investigators arrived, Radford informed them he and the sufferer have been in a “scuffle” when he pulled his gun and shot the sufferer. There have been no different eyewitnesses to the incident, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office continued its investigation.
Multiple group members got here ahead within the days and weeks following the taking pictures to report listening to Radford use bigoted slurs towards the sufferer, even speaking about desirous to hurt him whereas on the canine park.
Detectives additionally discovered the sufferer created a cellular phone video 24 hours previous to the taking pictures warning his pals that Radford informed him, “You’re gonna die.”
“We should all be able to enjoy a day at the dog park without the fear of gunfire. This victim also deserved to live free from fear and discrimination based on his sexual orientation. The evidence shows the defendant’s actions were motivated by hate, and he will be held accountable. My heart is with the victim’s family and large group of friends as we fight for justice together,” stated State Attorney Suzy Lopez.
Copyright 2024 WWSB. All rights reserved.
