Jessica Antolini died two days after the attack, prompting authorities to upgrade the charge against her boyfriend to first-degree murder.
SAFETY HARBOR, FL — A 30-year-old woman died Thursday from injuries suffered when her boyfriend allegedly shot her and ran over her with a vehicle outside a Safety Harbor bar two days earlier, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
Jessica Antolini was pronounced dead at 9:14 p.m. Oct. 15, the sheriff’s office said. Following her death, authorities upgraded the charge against Christopher “Dodge” Smith, 40, from attempted first-degree murder to first-degree murder. Smith also faces a child abuse charge. The charges are allegations, and the sheriff’s office said its investigation remains ongoing.
Deputies were sent to Harbor Bar at 840 Main St. at about 9 p.m. Oct. 13 after receiving reports of a shooting. Investigators determined that the shooting happened near the southwest corner of 9th Avenue South and Main Street, just west of the bar. Antolini was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries and remained in critical condition until her death two days later.
Detectives said Smith entered Harbor Bar at about 8:45 p.m., leaving his 5-year-old daughter and the family dog in the parking lot. Smith later left the bar with Antolini, whom authorities identified as his girlfriend, and the two were seen arguing outside, according to the sheriff’s office. Investigators have not publicly said what led to the argument.
During the altercation, investigators allege Smith shot Antolini and then left the area in his vehicle with his daughter and the dog inside. Deputies said Smith also ran over Antolini with the vehicle as he fled. Authorities have not announced additional details about what happened before the confrontation.
Multiple witnesses called 911 and gave dispatchers information about Smith’s vehicle, according to detectives. Deputies located the vehicle a short time later and took Smith into custody. His daughter and the dog were found safe and later reunited with family members, the sheriff’s office said. Smith was taken to the Pinellas County Jail.
The case prompted an outpouring of grief in Safety Harbor after Antolini’s death. Flowers were placed in downtown Safety Harbor, and people who knew her described her as a kind and well-liked member of the community. Kara Catton, who works downtown, told Tampa Bay 28 that the killing had deeply affected residents and said Antolini “was a light in the community.”
Safety Harbor Mayor Joe Ayoub also spoke publicly about the community’s grief. He told Tampa Bay 28 that Antolini was well known and well liked and that her death had “shattered the spirit” of many people in the city. Community members were encouraging residents to wear purple during the weekend, a color commonly associated with domestic violence awareness.
The sheriff’s office has characterized the case as a domestic-related incident. Authorities have not released a motive, and no final determination of guilt has been made. Smith remains accused of first-degree murder and child abuse while detectives continue investigating the circumstances surrounding Antolini’s death.
Author note: Last updated October 17, 2026.