Florida Man Faces Murder Charges After Shooting and Running Over Girlfriend

A man in Florida is now facing more severe charges after allegedly shooting his girlfriend and then running her over with his vehicle, all while their child was in the car.

On Friday, it was confirmed by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office that the woman, Jessica Antolini, succumbed to her injuries. She was declared dead on October 15, 2026, due to the injuries she sustained two days earlier.

Antolini was just 30 years old.

Her mother, Suzanne Rys Antolini, shared on social media the heartbreak of losing her daughter. She wrote about Jessica’s kind nature and her advocacy for people’s and animal rights.

The tragic incident reportedly took place outside a bar in Safety Harbor, Florida, where the couple had an argument. According to investigators, 40-year-old Christopher “Dodge” Smith is the suspect accused of the crime.

Witnesses described Smith arriving at the bar and appearing to “hunt” for Antolini, while making alarming facial expressions before they began arguing. Allegedly, during this confrontation, Smith shot Antolini in the face. After shooting her, he then ran her over with his SUV before fleeing the scene with his five-year-old child in the vehicle.

Multiple 911 calls were made by witnesses, who also gave deputies detailed descriptions of Smith’s SUV. When officers responded, they attempted to pull him over, which led to a brief pursuit. Smith’s vehicle was eventually immobilized, and he was taken into custody.

Initially arrested on charges of attempted first-degree murder and child abuse, Smith’s charges have now been escalated to first-degree murder.

He remains in a Pinellas County jail without bond.