A five-year-old girl reportedly repeated three heartbreaking words to police after allegedly witnessing her father shoot his girlfriend during a fatal incident in Florida.
Christopher Dodge Smith, 40, has been charged with first-degree murder following the death of his girlfriend, 30-year-old Jessica Antolini.
According to investigators, the incident took place outside a bar in Safety Harbor, Florida, on October 13, 2026.
Police allege that Smith had taken his young daughter with him while searching for Antolini, before a confrontation in the car park ended in violence.
Details contained in a court affidavit describe the events leading up to the shooting, the suspect's alleged actions afterwards and the distressing account reportedly given by the child.
What three words did the five-year-old girl tell police?
According to an affidavit obtained by People, the five-year-old girl repeatedly told investigators: "Daddy shot Jess."
Police believe the child witnessed her father allegedly shooting his girlfriend outside a bar in Safety Harbor.
The statement was reportedly repeated during the investigation and became one of the most distressing details disclosed in the court documents.
Investigators allege that the girl was present when the confrontation took place and was subsequently driven away from the scene by her father.
Authorities confirmed that the child was physically unharmed.
The affidavit's account of what the girl said forms part of the allegations in the criminal case, which have not yet been determined at trial.
What happened to Jessica Antolini?
Jessica Antolini, 30, was allegedly shot by her boyfriend, Christopher Dodge Smith, during an incident in Safety Harbor on October 13.
According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office and court documents cited by People, Smith had travelled to a bar where Antolini was located.
Investigators allege that he was searching for her and had brought his five-year-old daughter with him.
Witnesses reportedly observed Smith behaving unusually inside the establishment before the confrontation.
After finding Antolini, the pair allegedly became involved in a verbal argument in the car park.
Smith reportedly walked towards his vehicle, with Antolini following him.
Police allege that he then produced a firearm and shot her in the head.
Investigators further claim that Smith drove away from the scene with his daughter and struck Antolini's body with his vehicle as he left.
Emergency services were contacted, and Antolini was taken to Bayfront Hospital for treatment.
Despite receiving medical care, she died from her injuries on October 15, two days after the shooting.
What did witnesses say about Smith's behaviour?
According to the affidavit, witnesses who knew Smith described his behaviour at the bar as extremely unusual.
Some reportedly claimed he was walking around the establishment in a manner they found alarming.
Investigators allege that he appeared to be actively searching for Antolini.
The court documents reportedly described his conduct as suggesting that he was pursuing her before the confrontation.
These accounts were provided by witnesses and form part of the evidence described in the investigation.
They do not establish Smith's state of mind or criminal responsibility, which are matters for the legal proceedings.
What happened after the shooting?
Police allege that Smith fled the car park in his vehicle after the shooting.
His five-year-old daughter was reportedly inside the vehicle, along with a dog.
According to the affidavit, Smith subsequently contacted his mother and told her he was bringing his daughter to her.
The document alleges that he acknowledged having shot Jessica during the conversation.
Meanwhile, multiple witnesses had contacted 911 and provided information about the suspect's vehicle.
Deputies used those descriptions to locate the vehicle.
According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, officers attempted to stop Smith, but he did not initially pull over.
Authorities subsequently immobilised the vehicle.
Smith was taken into custody.
Was the five-year-old girl injured?
The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office confirmed that Smith's daughter and the dog travelling in the vehicle were physically unharmed.
Both were reported to be safe following the incident.
However, investigators allege that the girl witnessed the violence involving her father and his girlfriend.
The affidavit states that she repeatedly told police that her father had shot Jessica.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed further details about the child's care or any support arrangements.
Given her age and the nature of the allegations, protecting her privacy remains particularly important.
What charges does Christopher Dodge Smith face?
Christopher Dodge Smith, 40, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with Jessica Antolini's death.
According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, he was being held without bond at the Pinellas County Jail following his arrest.
First-degree murder is among the most serious criminal charges under Florida law.
However, being charged with a crime does not establish guilt.
The allegations against Smith must be examined through the criminal justice process, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The supplied reporting does not establish the outcome of any subsequent court proceedings.
How did Jessica Antolini's family respond?
Following Jessica's death, her family shared an emotional tribute on social media.
Her mother confirmed the devastating news in a Facebook post, describing the family's heartbreak.
She remembered Jessica as a beloved daughter, cherished sister and treasured friend.
The family also expressed gratitude for the messages of love and support they had received.
However, Jessica's mother explained that they were struggling to respond individually while dealing with their grief.
She described Jessica as a kind and loving person who cared deeply about the rights of others and animal welfare.
The tribute offered a glimpse of the woman behind the headlines and the causes that mattered to her.
What causes did Jessica support?
According to her mother's tribute, Jessica was passionate about human rights and animal welfare.
Her family encouraged those wishing to honour her memory to consider donating to organisations that reflected those interests.
Among the causes mentioned were the Nikolas Ritschel Foundation, Pilots N Paws, local animal rescues and human rights organisations.
Pilots N Paws is known for connecting volunteer pilots with animal rescue and transport efforts.
The family's request reflected Jessica's concern for both people and animals.
Rather than focusing solely on the circumstances of her death, they hoped others would remember her compassion and the values she held.
Where did the incident happen?
The alleged shooting occurred in Safety Harbor, a city in Pinellas County on Florida's Gulf Coast.
Investigators say the confrontation took place in the car park of a bar on October 13.
Several witnesses were present in the surrounding area and contacted emergency services after the incident.
Information provided by those witnesses helped authorities identify and locate the vehicle allegedly used by Smith.
The investigation was handled by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
What evidence has been described in the case?
The publicly reported allegations include witness accounts, statements attributed to Smith and the reported words of his young daughter.
According to the affidavit obtained by People, witnesses described Smith's behaviour before the shooting and the confrontation in the car park.
Investigators also allege that Smith contacted his mother after leaving the scene and made statements about what had happened.
The child's reported account was another detail recorded in the investigation.
Information supplied by witnesses about the vehicle was used to locate Smith after the incident.
These details have been reported from law enforcement statements and court documents.
They remain allegations unless and until established through the appropriate legal process.
What happens next in the case?
Smith faces a first-degree murder charge in connection with Antolini's death.
The criminal proceedings will determine how the evidence is assessed and whether prosecutors can prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
At the time of the October 19 reporting, Smith was being held without bond.
No conviction or final outcome was reported in the source material.
Meanwhile, Jessica's family continues to mourn the loss of a woman they described as deeply loved and committed to helping others.
The case has attracted attention not only because of the circumstances of the alleged killing, but also because of the young child reportedly present during the incident.
Her alleged three-word statement has become a particularly painful detail in a case that has left Jessica's loved ones devastated.
Source: VT, October 19, 2026, citing the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, a court affidavit obtained by People and a public tribute from Jessica Antolini's family.
