Safety Harbor man charged with murder of girlfriend
A man accused of killing his girlfriend is facing upgraded murder charges. Investigators say Christopher Dodge Smith shot 30-year-old Jessica Antolini then ran her over while fleeing with his 5-year-old daughter and dog in the car. FOX 13’s Ariel Plasencia reports.
SAFETY HARBOR, Fla. – A 30-year-old woman has died following an argument that turned violent outside a Safety Harbor bar, leading authorities to upgrade charges against the suspect to first-degree murder, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
Safety Harbor murder investigation
What we know:
Investigators say Christopher “Dodge” Smith, 40, entered Harbor Bar at 840 Main St. around 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday, with his 5-year-old daughter, leaving their dog in the parking lot. Smith later walked out of the bar with his girlfriend, 30-year-old Jessica Antolini, and the couple began arguing outside.
During the fight, investigators say Smith shot Antolini near the southwest corner of 9th Avenue South and Main Street, just west of the establishment. He then ran over her with his vehicle before driving away with his child and pet inside, according to deputies.
Multiple witnesses called 911 around 9:00 p.m. to report the shooting and provided descriptions of Smith’s vehicle to dispatchers. Deputies said they located the vehicle a short time later, took Smith into custody, and safely reunited the child and dog with family members.
Antolini was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries and was pronounced dead at 9:14 p.m. on Thursday. Following her death, prosecutors upgraded Smith’s charge from attempted murder in the first degree to first-degree murder, alongside an existing child abuse charge. He was taken to the Pinellas County Jail.
Courtesy: Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
What we don’t know:
Investigators have not released what led to the argument between Smith and Antolini prior to the shooting.
Man accused of shooting girlfriend, running her over
A 40-year-old Safety Harbor man is accused of shooting his girlfriend and running her over with his vehicle after an argument outside a bar Tuesday night, leaving the woman with life-threatening injuries, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
Memorial started for victim
On Friday, Lauren Notte and friends started a memorial for Antolini, placing flowers and candles at the base of a tree near the intersection of Main Street and 9th Avenue South.
“Just a little place for people to remember that we’re all connected, we’re altogether,” Notte said. “And to be love, be light – she was.”
In addition to the memorial, Antolini’s loved ones encouraged people to wear purple at Third Friday, the monthly street festival on Oct. 16. Purple is the color of domestic violence awareness.
“We’re very tight-knit. Everyone knows everybody over here. We’re a close community. We have each other’s backs around here,” Safety Harbor Mayor Joe Ayoub said.
Antolini worked for Watermark Risk Management International as a technical recruiter, helping the company find new talent – according to the company’s website. In a statement to FOX 13, Watermark Risk Management International said:
“Watermark is devastated by this loss. Jess was a talented member of the Watermark Family and was known for her kind and loving nature. We are focused on supporting her family during this most difficult time and will honor her in accordance with her family’s wishes.”
Domestic violence support resources
What you can do:
If you or someone you know needs help regarding a domestic violence situation, support is available through several local and national organizations:
CASA Pinellas 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 727-895-4912 or casapinellas.orgHOPE Villages of America: 727-442-4128 or hopevillagesofamerica.orgNational Domestic Violence 24/7 Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or thehotline.orgPinellas County Sheriff’s Office Victim Advocates: 727-582-6259
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, who detailed the timeline of the shooting, arrest, and updated charges, as well as 911 witness reports.