Man Asked Former Co-Worker to See His Dog. He Was Refused and Fatally Shot: Police By Liam Quinn

A Florida man is charged with murder after police say he killed his former co-worker who he had refused to let see his dog.

Evan Stanley is charged with second-degree murder with a firearm in connection with the death of Keval Mehta on Aug. 20, court records indicate.

Police responded to the shooting after they say Stanley called 911 at his residence early on the morning of Aug. 20.

According to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, Stanley and Mehta formerly worked together and encountered each other at a bar.

After Stanley’s ride departed the bar, Mehta offered to drive his former co-worker home, the sheriff’s office says. Once they arrived at Stanley’s residence in Weeki Wachee, they engaged in conversation, per police.

Eventually an argument began over a dog that Stanley had taken in when the two had worked together, according to the sheriff’s office.

Stanley, police say, told investigators that Mehta asked to see the dog but that he refused. Stanley then allegedly said he felt threatened by Mehta, who he claimed made verbal threats.

The sheriff’s office alleges that Stanley felt threatened and went inside his home to retrieve a rifle and ammunition and confronted Mehta.

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Stanley then allegedly claimed that he fired multiple rounds after seeing Mehta reach into his trunk, believing that his former co-worker was reaching for a weapon, the sheriff’s office says.

After searching Mehta’s vehicle, police say no weapons were found.

“During questioning, Stanley provided several conflicting statements regarding the sequence of events and circumstances surrounding the shooting,” the sheriff’s office alleges.

It is not immediately clear if Stanley has entered a plea or retained an attorney.