Gerald Radford is accused of targeting and killing John Walter Lay at a dog park because he was gay. Radford is charged with second-degree murder and a hate crime enhancement. Radford shot and killed Lay, who was 52, on February 2, 2024, during a struggle at the West Dog Park near Tampa. Radford had allegedly repeatedly harassed Lay for more than two years, calling him a homophobic slur and making derogatory remarks about Lay's sexual orientation. However, Radford, maintains that Lay was the aggressor but his 'stand your ground' motion was rejected. Radford faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted of second-degree murder. He rejected a plea deal that would have given him a 15-year prison sentence followed by 10 years probation for the lesser charge of manslaughter.