Inset: Matthew Lee Pasco (Lake County Sheriff”s Office). Background: The 1900 block of Griffin Road in Leesburg, Florida, where Pasco allegedly shot a dog owner dead (WFTV/YouTube).
In a tragic turn of events in Florida, a man reportedly gunned down a dog owner as the owner’s dogs were in the midst of attacking a woman. The accused shooter allegedly declared, “You think I won’t shoot you too?” when the victim doubted his willingness to fire.
Matthew Lee Pasco, aged 43, is now charged with first-degree murder for the fatal shooting of Shawn Cyriacks in Leesburg, just outside Orlando. According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by Law&Crime, officers from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office arrived Friday at a homeless encampment situated along the 1900 block of Griffin Road.
The deputies initially responded to reports of a woman being attacked by several dogs. During the 911 call, as details were being relayed, sudden screams erupted in the background.
The dispatcher, during the call accessed by Law&Crime, urgently inquired, “What’s going on?”
“There’s a gunshot wound, now,” the caller replied.
Upon arrival at the scene, law enforcement discovered Cyriacks with a gunshot wound, and he was subsequently pronounced dead.
Detectives spoke with a woman who had been staying in Pasco’s tent. She said they were awoken by one of their friends being attacked by dogs. The woman said Pasco went outside to investigate and then returned, saying he was going to kill the dogs. She said this led to an argument between the two.
Per the affidavit, Cyriacks, the owner of the dogs, tried to prevent Pasco from interfering.
“If Shawn wants to get in the way, he can die too,” Pasco allegedly said.
Pasco was allegedly armed with a gun with a laser affixed to it. Cyriacks reportedly confronted him.
“You’re not going to shoot the dogs,” the victim allegedly said.
Pasco allegedly responded: “You think I won’t shoot you too?”
That’s when Pasco shot Cyriacks in the chest, cops say.
The defendant is also allegedly heard on the 911 call saying “I am gonna kill it.”
Deputies say that the victim made no threats toward Pasco, who “deliberately and intentionally shot” Cyriacks during a “heated verbal argument.”
After the shooting, Pasco fled the scene but was arrested on Sunday. He’s now in the Lake County Jail without bond. His next court date is set for May 18.
