Florida authorities this week charged a second person with attempted murder in connection with the fatal shooting of an off-duty federal employee in December that left him paralyzed.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday investigated Christopher Smith, 18, for aiding and abetting an off-duty Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) shooting on Dec. 27, 2024. After authorities determined, Tia Hayward, 23, was arrested. agent.
Hayward is charged with attempted first-degree murder with great bodily harm (accessory after the fact), aggravated assault with great bodily harm (accessory after the fact) and two counts of simple assault. .
Smith, who was arrested hours later on Dec. 28, faces similar charges of attempted first-degree murder – discharging a firearm causing great bodily harm, and aggravated battery causing bodily harm with a deadly weapon. He was charged with causing great bodily harm, tampering with physical evidence, and carrying a concealed firearm. .
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Tia Hayward, 23, is accused of aiding and abetting Christopher Smith, 18, who allegedly shot an off-duty ATF officer in the neck at a Florida bowling alley. (Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office)
FOX 13 Tampa Bay identified the ATF agent as Special Agent Matthew Murray of the agency's Tampa field division.
Murray was shot and killed at South Shore Alley in Riverview, Florida, on December 27 at approximately 11:07 p.m. while attempting to break up a fight between a man and a woman in the parking lot of a bowling alley.
He was out bowling with his wife, their children, and family friends one night when he witnessed a fight break out while standing near his front door.
Off-duty ATF agent Matthew Murray was shot in the neck on Dec. 27 after trying to break up a fight at The Alley on the South Shore. (Google Earth)
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Murray's wife said during Smith's pretrial detention hearing that her husband identified himself as law enforcement and directed the group to go home, FOX 13 reported. One of the men threw a bottle or cup at Murray, his wife said. Smith, on the other hand, claimed that Murray punched him in the shoulder.
Smith is then accused of shooting Murray in the back of the neck.
Murray's wife said he was taken to Tampa General Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery, but remains in critical condition and remains paralyzed.
Smith allegedly fled the bowling alley in a Nissan Altima and was found by Hillsborough County deputies about seven hours later at a nearby residence.
Christopher Smith, 18, is charged with attempted murder and other charges in the December shooting death of off-duty ATF officer Matthew Murray. (Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office)
Mr Smith has been in jail since December 28 and was denied bail earlier this month. Hayward is being held in jail on $42,000 bail.
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“Our detectives have worked tirelessly to ensure that all those responsible for this senseless act of violence are held accountable and face the consequences of their actions,” HCSO Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. said. “Our prayers remain with the ATF member as he bravely begins his road to recovery. His courage and selflessness demonstrate his dedication to protecting our community. ”
