Tragic Dispute: Dog Attack Leads to Fatal Shooting of Owner in Shocking Incident

In Florida, a tragic incident unfolded when a man allegedly shot a dog owner dead during a chaotic scene where the dogs were attacking a woman. The shooter reportedly declared, “you think I won’t shoot you too?” after being questioned about his intent to fire.

Matthew Lee Pasco, aged 43, is charged with first-degree murder following the fatal shooting of Shawn Cyriacks in Leesburg, near Orlando. As detailed in an arrest affidavit from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, law enforcement officials arrived on the scene Friday at a homeless encampment located on the 1900 block of Griffin Road.

The deputies were initially dispatched to assist a woman who had suffered multiple dog bites. During the emergency call, the 911 operator was gathering details when loud screams erupted in the background.

“What’s happening?” the dispatcher urgently inquired, as documented in the call accessed by Law&Crime.

“There’s a gunshot wound now,” the caller responded, marking a dramatic turn in the situation.

Cops rushed to the scene and found Cyriacks suffering from a gunshot wound. He was later 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.