A Florida man is charged with second-degree murder after fatally shooting a former co-worker during a dispute at his home over access to a dog.
At a Glance
- On August 20, 2025, Evan Stanley was charged with second-degree murder after the fatal shooting of Keval Mehta.
- The altercation stemmed from a dispute over a dog Stanley had taken in on their previous employment.
- Mehta had reportedly offered Stanley a ride home after meeting earlier at a bar in Spring Hill.
- Stanley allegedly fetched a rifle after claiming he felt threatened when Mehta reached into his trunk; no weapon was found.
- Stanley gave conflicting statements about the incident and remains held without bond.
Incident and Charges
On August 20, 2025, Hernando County deputies responded to a call from Stanley, who said he had shot someone outside his home in Weeki Wachee. The victim, 40-year-old Keval Mehta, a former co-worker, was pronounced dead at the scene. The men had encountered each other at a bar in Spring Hill earlier that evening and Mehta had offered Stanley a ride home.
Upon arriving at Stanley’s residence, the two talked before an argument ensued regarding a dog Stanley was housing — a dog Mehta sought to see, but Stanley refused. Stanley allegedly felt threatened when Mehta reportedly made verbal threats and reached into his trunk. Stanley then entered his home, retrieved a rifle and ammunition, returned outside, and fired multiple rounds; no weapon was discovered in Mehta’s vehicle. During questioning, Stanley provided inconsistent accounts of the incident.
Learn more: Florida man arrested after argument over dog leads to fatal shooting · FOX 13 Tampa Bay
Legal and Community Response
Stanley, age 23, has been charged with second-degree murder with a firearm and is being held without bond at the Hernando County Detention Center. Prosecutors are reviewing the case; it is not yet known whether Stanley has entered a plea or retained counsel.
Neighbors and members of the local community expressed shock — the dispute stemmed from what appeared to be a minor disagreement over a dog. Authorities have urged the public to hold off on speculation as the investigation continues.
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