Dog park shooting trial: Prosecution rests, defense to begin its case Thursday
TAMPA, Fla. - Testimony resumed in a Tampa courtroom on Wednesday in the trial of Gerald Declan Radford, who's accused of targeting and killing another man at a dog park because he was gay.
Radford, who is now 66, is charged with second-degree murder and a hate crime enhancement for the February 2024 shooting death of John Walter Lay.

Pictured: Gerald Radford in court on Wednesday.
Opening statements and initial testimony
The backstory:
Prosecutors say Radford repeatedly harassed Lay for more than two years, calling him a homophobic slur and making derogatory remarks about Lay's sexual orientation.
On Feb. 1, 2024, Lay recorded a video saying Radford threatened to kill him. Investigators said Lay was shot to death the following day during a struggle at the West Dog Park off North Occident Street near Tampa.

Pictured: John Walter Lay
Day 1
What they're saying:
On Tuesday, prosecutors claimed that Radford's story changed many times during interviews with detectives before his arrest. The state also urged the jury to ask themselves what Radford was thinking when he shot Lay.
"What was in the mind of Gerald Radford when he pulled the trigger and shot John Walter Lay? Was it fear? Was it the fear of death or great bodily harm? Or, was it hate?" prosecuting attorney Justin Diaz said.

Prosecuting attorney Justin Diaz gives opening statements in the trial of Gerald Radford.
The defense again argued that Lay was the aggressor, adding they believe Radford was charged because investigators caved to public pressure.
"I want you to ask yourself if an innocent man who was forced to defend himself is being railroaded by the State Attorney's Office and by law enforcement who folded to public pressure to charge Declan and make this a hate crime," defense attorney Shanna Bailey Schultz said.

Defense attorney Shanna Bailey Schultz gives opening statements in the trial of Gerald Radford.
As testimony began Tuesday, jurors saw bodycam video showing Hillsborough deputies' frantic attempts to save Lay's life.
Day 2
Wednesday's testimony was centered around regular visitors to the dog park who knew both men.
Witnesses who knew Lay described him as a mild-mannered man who was usually in a good mood.
"I would call him peace-loving," Kim Wofley said. "He always tried to keep a level head."
When the testimony shifted to Radford, the tone was equally consistent, but in a much different way.
Witnesses recalled seeing the once-friendly relationship between Lay and Radford go down hill over time as Radford began directing homophobic slurs at him.
The defense pointed to scrapes on Lay's knees as proof that he was kneeling over Radford and attacking him when he was shot, claiming self-defense.
Prosecutors looked to cast doubt on that scenario by calling the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner, Dr. Kelly Devers, to the stand.
Devers testified that Lay didn't have hand injuries consistent with punching someone.
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What's next:
Radford faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted of second-degree murder. He previously rejected a plea deal that would have included a 15-year prison sentence and 10 years probation for the lesser charge of manslaughter.
The trial is expected to last through the week.
The Source: This story was written using information from courtroom testimony, Hillsborough County court records and previous FOX 13 News reports.
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