TAMPA, Fla. – In the Leto community, residents and their dogs gather at West Dog Park, forming a tight-knit group that sees each other as much as their furry companions. However, a recent tragedy has shaken their community.
On a Saturday morning, the usual joy and camaraderie were overshadowed by grief as they mourned the loss of a beloved member, John Walter Lay. His unexpected and violent death has left many questioning the safety of their community park.
Lay’s friends and family are struggling to make sense of the tragedy. The night before his death, Lay sent a troubling video to a friend, alluding to a confrontation with another frequent visitor to the park, George Declan Radford. According to friends, Radford had a history of directing homophobic slurs at Lay.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office did not arrest Radford, citing his claim of self-defense and the absence of witnesses to confirm or dispute his account. Lay’s loved ones are left grappling with this devastating loss and the lack of accountability for his death.
The mourning community’s cry for justice has drawn the attention of Equality Florida, with their Tampa Bay community organizer advocating for a thorough investigation. They are also exploring ways to honor Lay’s memory, considering options like a bench, marker, or even renaming the park in his honor.
To Lay’s best friend of 33 years, the pain of losing him in such a brutal manner is compounded by the history of discrimination Lay faced in the military. Despite progress in LGBTQ+ rights, this tragedy serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for justice and equality within their community.