Tampa Man Claims Self-Defense in Park Shooting, Awaiting ‘Stand Your Ground’ Ruling Amid Claims of Hate-Fueled Feud
TAMPA, Fla. — In a courtroom in Tampa, Gerald Declan Radford, accused of second-degree murder, denied allegations that his actions were motivated by homophobia. Speaking publicly for the first time since the incident on Feb. 2 at West Dog Park, Radford claimed the fatal shooting of John Walter Lay emerged from self-defense during an aggressive confrontation. Radford, 66, recounted a history of escalating tensions with Lay, culminating in a physical altercation at the park. His …