Florida Man Charged with Murder After Girlfriend Is Fatally Shot While His 5-Year-Old Daughter Was in the Car

A Florida man has been charged with first-degree murder after his girlfriend died following a shooting outside a bar, according to PEOPLE.

Christopher Dodge Smith, 40, is accused of searching for his girlfriend, Jessica Antolini, 30, at a bar in Pinellas County on October 13, 2026. According to police documents cited by PEOPLE, witnesses alleged that Smith appeared to be looking for Antolini in an aggressive manner before the pair became involved in a verbal confrontation outside.

Investigators allege that Smith shot Antolini before driving away with his 5-year-old daughter inside the vehicle. Authorities further allege that the vehicle ran over Antolini as he fled the scene.

Antolini was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries but died on October 15, according to the report. Police say Smith later contacted his mother and made statements about the incident.

The child was reportedly inside the vehicle during the incident. Authorities said she was found safe, along with the family dog, after deputies located and stopped the vehicle.

Smith is being held without bond at the Pinellas County Jail. The case remains a criminal matter, and the allegations against him have not been proven in court.

Source: PEOPLE