A Florida woman died two days after being shot near a bar in Safety Harbor, Florida. Her boyfriend has been charged with first-degree murder.
30-year-old Jessica Antolini died on Thursday, October 15, two days after she was shot and run over in downtown Safety Harbor.
Her boyfriend, 40-year-old Christopher “Dodge” Smith is charged with her murder. He was first charged with attempted murder and child abuse, but after her death the charge was upgraded to first-degree murder. He is being held without bond, and the investigation is ongoing.
How the events unfolded
Deputies were called to a shooting just west of the Harbor Bar at around 9 p.m. on October 13. According to detectives, Smith had gone into the bar at about 8:45 p.m., leaving his five-year-old daughter and their dog in the parking lot.
Witnesses who know Smith told investigators that when he arrived at the bar, he walked around as if he was “possessed” and appeared to be “hunting down” Antolini.
An affidavit obtained by People alleges that Smith and Antolini came out of the bar 15 minutes later, and the two were seen arguing.
Smith then shot her and ran over her with his car as he drove away.
The chilling words Smith’s daughter kept repeating
According to Fox 13 investigators haven’t released any possible motive for the argument, the sheriff’s office only calling it “domestic-related.”
The affidavit says Smith called his mother afterward and told her he had “messed up” and was bringing his daughter over. His daughter repeatedly told the police “Daddy shot Jess.”
Antolini’s family’s heartbreaking request
Antolini’s mother wrote on Facebook that the family is “beyond heartbroken.”
“For those of you who are unaware, our beautiful daughter Jessica Antolini passed away last night. Our family is beyond heartbroken,” she wrote and continued:
“Jessica was a beloved child, cherished sister and treasured friend. We appreciate the love we’ve felt from so many people. Please understand we are simply too devastated to reply to messages right now,” she wrote and added:
“If you are so moved, please consider making a donation to the Nikolas Ritschel Foundation, Pilots N Paws, to a local animal rescue or human rights organization of your choosing.”
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-7233, or by texting START to 88788.
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