A 5-year-old girl told authorities “Daddy shot Jess,” after watching her father allegedly shoot his girlfriend in the head and then drive over her body,Florida police said.
Christopher Smith, 40, brought his daughter to a Pinellas County bar about 8:45 p.m. Oct. 13 looking for his girlfriend, Jessica Antolini, 30. All three exited the bar as the couple argued
, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department.“During the altercation, Smith shot Antolini before fleeing the scene in his vehicle with his daughter and dog. As he fled, Smith ran over Antolini with his vehicle,” stated a press release.
Florida woman shot, ran over by boyfriend, police say
Antolini was shot in the head with the bullet entering her left eye and exiting the rear of her skull, according to an arrest report.
While she lay
on the ground injured, Smith got in his car with his daughter and their dog and reversed the vehicle over Antolini’s body. She was transported to a hospital in critical condition but died two days later as a result of her injuries.
Witnesses who know Smith reported he was acted “extremely strangely” and “possessed,” according to the arrest report, which also stated Smith’s daughter “repeated numerous times Daddy shot Jess.”
Charges for man who police say shot, ran over his girlfriend
After Antolini’s death, charges against Smith were upgraded to first-degree murder.
He fled the scene but was located shortly after and was taken into custody. His daughter and the dog were found safe in the vehicle and turned over to family members.
In addition to murder charges, Smith also is charged with child abuse.
After the incident, Smith called his mother and told her he was brining his daughter to her because he “messed up” and “shot Jess,” according to the arrest report.
Smith has pleaded not guilty.
Michelle Spitzer is a journalist for The USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA. As the network’s Rapid Response reporter, she covers Florida’s breaking news. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: 'Daddy shot Jess': Girl, 5, sees dad kill girlfriend, Florida cops say
