Florida dad gunned down and ran over girlfriend — and his 5-year-old saw it all, cops say: ‘Daddy shot Jess’

A psycho Florida dad shot his girlfriend in the head outside a bar before running her over while his 5-year-old daughter and pet dog were in the car, according to cops.

Christopher Dodge Smith, 40, allegedly appeared to be “hunting down” his 30-year-old lover, Jessica Antolini, when he followed her to a bar in Safety Harbor, Florida, on Oct. 13, according to an affidavit obtained by PEOPLE.

Witnesses told cops Smith was acting “extremely strangely” and walking around as if “possessed” as he looked for Antolini at the Harbor Bar at around 9 p.m., according to the affidavit.

Upon finding his girlfriend, Smith reportedly argued with her in the parking lot before shooting her as she followed him to his vehicle, cops said.

Jessica Antolini, 30, was shot through the face by her boyfriend, cops say. She died at the hospital. Facebook/Suzanne Rys Antolini
The 5-year-old daughter of Antolini’s alleged killer witnessed the shooting and told cops about it, according to police. Facebook/Suzanne Rys Antolini

Suddenly, Smith pulled out a handgun and shot Antolini “in the face, through her left eye, and out the rear of her skull,” according to the affidavit.

After the shooting, Smith allegedly fled the scene with his daughter in the car, “running over Antolini’s body in the process,” authorities said.

Deputies named his girlfriend Jessica Antolini, 30, as the victim. Jessica Antolini / Facebook
Christopher Smith was arrested for attempted murder after allegedly shooting his girlfriend and running her over with a child in his SUV. Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office

Smith then allegedly called his mother, saying he was bringing over his daughter because he had “messed up” and “shot Jess,” the affidavit alleges.

His daughter, who has not been identified, told police multiple times, “Daddy shot Jess,” according to the affidavit.

Multiple 911 calls were made by witnesses reporting the shooting, who also provided information about Smith’s car, leading to his arrest, according to a Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office press release.

Smith showed up at a bar on Tuesday just before 9 p.m. and appeared to be “hunting” the victim down, witnesses said, adding he looked “possessed.” Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office

“Deputies located the vehicle, attempted to stop it, and when Christopher did not pull over, the vehicle was immobilized,” the department said.

Antolini was transported to a nearby hospital where she died.

Neither Smith’s daughter nor his dog was injured, and both are safe.

Smith was charged with first-degree murder and child abuse and is currently being held without bond in the Pinellas County Jail.

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