Florida authorities this week charged a second person with attempted murder in connection with the December shooting off-duty federal agent which left him paralyzed.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested Tia Heyward, 23, Wednesday after investigators determined she allegedly helped Christopher Smith, 18, shoot up a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) outside on Dec. 27, 2024 employ. intermediary.
Heyward is charged with attempted first-degree murder with great bodily harm (after-the-fact accessory), aggravated battery with great bodily harm (after-the-fact accessory) and two counts of simple battery.
Smith, who was arrested hours later on Dec. 28, faces similar charges of attempted first-degree murder – discharging a firearm causing great bodily harm, aggravated battery causing great bodily harm with a deadly weapon, tampering with physical evidence and carrying a concealed firearm. .
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Tia Heyward, 23, is accused of helping Christopher Smith, 18, after he allegedly shot an off-duty ATF agent 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, who serves with the agency’s Tampa Field Division.
Murray was shot at The Alley in Southshore on December 27 around 11:07 p.m Riverview, Florida, after attempting to de-escalate a fight between two men and a woman in the bowling alley parking lot.
He was spending an evening bowling with his wife, their children and family friends when they saw the fight break out as they stood at the front door.
Off-duty ATF agent Matthew Murray was shot in the neck on December 27 after trying to de-escalate a fight in The Alley on Southshore. (Google Earth)
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Murray’s wife said during a pretrial detention hearing for Smith that her husband identified himself as a law enforcement officer and told the group of people to go home, FOX 13 reported. One of them allegedly threw a bottle or cup at Murray, according to his wife. Meanwhile, Smith claimed Murray hit him in the shoulder.
Smith is then accused of shooting Murray in the back of the neck.
He was taken to Tampa General Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery and remains in critical condition with permanent paralysis, Murray’s wife said.
Smith reportedly fled the bowling alley in a Nissan Altima and was located by Hillsborough County deputies at a nearby home about seven hours later.
Christopher Smith, 18, faces charges including attempted murder in the December shooting of off-duty ATF agent Matthew Murray. (Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office)
Smith has been behind bars since December 28 and was denied bond earlier this month. Heyward is in jail on a $42,000 bond.
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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. “Our prayers remain with the ATF agent as he bravely embarks on his road to recovery. His courage and selflessness exemplify his dedication to protecting our community.”
