The second arrest was made in a shooting at a Florida bowling alley that left an off-duty ATF agent paralyzed

Florida authorities charged a second person with attempted murder this week in connection with the December shooting death of a man Federal agent is off duty Which left him paralyzed.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested Tia Heyward, 23, on Wednesday after investigators determined she assisted Christopher Smith, 18, in a Dec. 27, 2024, shooting at an out-of-service Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) office. factor.

Heyward is charged with attempted first-degree murder with great bodily harm (accessory after the fact), aggravated battery with great bodily harm (accessory after the fact), 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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FOX 13 Tampa Bay The ATF agent identified him as Special Agent Matthew Murray, who works in the office’s Tampa Field Division.

Murray was shot at approximately 11:07 p.m. on December 27 in The Alley at Southshore Riverview, Florida, after trying to calm down a fight between two men and a woman in the parking lot of a bowling alley.

He was out for a night bowling with his wife, their children and family friends, when they saw the fight break out while they were standing near the front door.

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Murray’s wife said during Smith’s pretrial detention hearing that her husband identified himself as law enforcement 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 then Accused of shooting Murray At the back of the neck.

Murray’s wife said he was taken to Tampa General Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery and remains in critical condition with permanent paralysis.

Smith allegedly fled the bowling alley in a Nissan Altima and was found by Hillsborough County deputies at a nearby home about seven hours later.

Smith has been behind bars since December 28 and was denied bail earlier this month. Heyward is in jail on $42,000 bail.

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“Our investigators have worked tirelessly to ensure all those responsible for this senseless act of violence are held accountable and face consequences for their actions,” HCSO Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. “Our prayers remain with the ATF agent as he courageously embarks on his path to recovery. His courage and selflessness exemplify his dedication to protecting our community.”