Florida authorities have arrested and charged Tia Heyward, 23, in connection with the shooting of an off-duty federal agent in December, marking the second arrest related to the incident this week.
Heyward is accused of assisting 18-year-old Christopher Smith in the December 27 shooting of Special Agent Matthew Murray from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Murray was left paralyzed after being shot in the neck while attempting to deescalate a fight at a bowling alley in Riverview, Florida.
The shooting occurred around 11:07 p.m. at The Alley at Southshore when Murray, who was with his wife and children, tried to break up an altercation between two men and a woman. According to Murray’s wife, he identified himself as law enforcement and asked the group to leave. Tensions escalated when one of the individuals allegedly threw an object at Murray, leading to Smith allegedly shooting the agent in the neck.
Murray was rushed to Tampa General Hospital, where he remains in critical condition, now facing permanent paralysis. Smith fled the scene but was apprehended several hours later by Hillsborough County deputies.
Smith has been charged with first-degree attempted murder, aggravated battery, and additional counts. Heyward, who is accused of aiding Smith after the incident, faces charges of first-degree attempted murder, aggravated battery, and two counts of simple battery. She is currently held in jail on a $42,000 bond.
This case continues to unfold as authorities investigate the details surrounding the shooting and the involvement of both individuals.