Dog park shooting: Judge rejects accused killer's 'stand your ground' defense, sets trial date
TAMPA, Fla. - A Tampa judge has denied a "stand your ground" motion filed by attorneys for the man accused of targeting and killing another man at a dog park because he was gay.
Gerald Radford, who is now 66, is charged with second-degree murder and a hate crime enhancement for the Feb. 2024 shooting death of John Walter Lay.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Radford repeatedly harassed Lay for more than two years, calling him a homophobic slur and making derogatory remarks about Lay's sexual orientation.
Pictured: Gerald Radford.
Prosecutors say Radford shot and killed the 52-year-old on Feb. 2 during a struggle at the West Dog Park off North Occident Street near Tampa.
Pictured: John Walter Lay
At a hearing last week, Radford and his attorneys again claimed it was Lay who was the aggressor, citing text messages sent prior to the shooting.
The judge, however, rejected the defense's claim and set a trial date for Jan. 6.
Radford will also remain in jail until his trial.
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