US3 min(s) read
Florida girl, 5, repeated three words to cops after allegedly watching her dad k*ll his girlfriend
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A five-year-old girl reportedly told police that her father had shot his girlfriend before running her over, after allegedly witnessing it all.
Christopher Dodge Smith, 40, has been charged with first degree murder in connection with the death of his girlfriend, 30-year-old Jessica Antolini, per a press release from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
According to an affidavit obtained by People, Smith allegedly appeared to be “hunting down” Antolini when he followed her to a bar in Safety Harbor, Florida, on October 13.
Police allege Smith had taken his five-year-old daughter with him as he went to a bar to look for Antolini, with witnesses who knew Smith claiming he was acting "extremely strangely" and was walking around the bar as if he was "possessed", per the affidavit.
When he located her, Smith and Antolini reportedly had a verbal argument in the parking lot, after which he walked over to his car with Antolini allegedly following him.
Police allege that Smith then produced a firearm and shot her "in the face, through her left eye, and out the rear of her skull," per to the affidavit.
Afterwards, Smith is accused of fleeing the scene with his daughter, and "running over Antolini’s body in the process."
The affidavit also alleges that Smith then called his mother to tell her he was bringing his daughter to her, because he'd "messed up" and "shot Jess".
The document claims the little girl had witnessed the horrific events, with police saying the five-year-old repeatedly told them: "Daddy shot Jess."
Multiple witnesses had called 911 after the incident, providing information about Smith's vehicle that was then used to apprehend him.
The department shared in a social media post: "Deputies located the vehicle, attempted to stop it, and when Christopher did not pull over, the vehicle was immobilized."
Antolini was taken to Bayfront Hospital but died from her injuries two days later, on October 15.
Smith's daughter and his dog, who were both in the vehicle at the time of the incident, sustained no injuries and are safe.
Smith is currently being held without bond in the Pinellas County Jail.
Antonili's mother shared a tribute following her daughter's tragic death, writing on Facebook: "For those of you who are unaware, our beautiful daughter Jessica Antolini passed away last night. Our family is beyond heartbroken.
"Jessica was a beloved child, cherished sister and treasured friend. We appreciate the love we’ve felt from so many people. Please understand we are simply too devastated to reply to messages right now."
She added: "Jess was a kind and loving person who advocated for the rights of all people and for animal welfare.
"If you are so moved, please consider making a donation to the Nikolas Ritschel Foundation, Pilots N Paws, to a local animal rescue or human rights organization of your choosing."