A Florida man has been charged with murder after authorities say he shot and killed a former co-worker during a dispute about a dog.
Court records show that Evan Stanley faces a charge of second-degree murder with a firearm in the death of Keval Mehta on Aug. 20.
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office said officers responded after Stanley called 911 from his Weeki Wachee residence early that morning.
According to investigators, Stanley and Mehta had previously worked together and ran into each other at a bar that night. When Stanley’s ride left, Mehta offered to drive him home. Once at Stanley’s residence, the two began talking, but the conversation escalated into an argument over a dog Stanley had taken in while they worked together.
Police say Stanley told investigators that Mehta asked to see the dog, but he refused. Stanley allegedly claimed he felt threatened after Mehta made verbal threats. At that point, authorities say, Stanley went inside his home, retrieved a rifle and ammunition, and then confronted Mehta.
Stanley told investigators that he fired several rounds after seeing Mehta reach into the trunk of his vehicle, believing he was reaching for a weapon. However, police say no weapons were found inside the vehicle.
“During questioning, Stanley provided several conflicting statements regarding the sequence of events and circumstances surrounding the shooting,” the sheriff’s office said.
It remains unclear if Stanley has entered a plea or secured an attorney.
