Florida authorities have charged a second person with attempted murder this week in connection with the December shooting of an off-duty federal agent that left him paralyzed.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office arrested Tia Heyward, 23, on Wednesday after investigators determined she allegedly aided Christopher Smith, 18, in the Dec. 27, 2024, shooting of an off-duty Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agent.
Heyward is charged with first-degree attempted 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 first-degree attempted 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.
The ATF agent, identified as Special Agent Matthew Murray, serves with the bureau's Tampa Field Division. Murray was shot at approximately 11:07 p.m. on Dec. 27 at The Alley at Southshore in Riverview, Florida, after attempting to deescalate a fight between two men and a woman in the parking lot of the bowling alley.
Murray, who was out for a night of bowling with his wife, their children, and family friends, intervened when a fight broke out near the front door. Despite identifying himself as law enforcement and urging the group to disperse, a confrontation ensued, leading to the tragic shooting.
Murray was rushed to Tampa General Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. He remains in critical condition with permanent paralysis, as confirmed by his wife during a pre-trial detention hearing for Smith.
Smith, who allegedly fled the scene in a Nissan Altima, was apprehended by Hillsborough County deputies at a nearby residence seven hours later. He has been in custody since Dec. 28 and was recently denied bond.
Tia Heyward, the second individual charged in connection with the shooting, is currently held on a $42,000 bond. Sheriff Chad Chronister of the HCSO expressed determination in ensuring all responsible parties face justice for the violent incident, emphasizing the community's support for the injured ATF agent's recovery.
