Matthew J. Downey, a 57-year-old white male, passed away on September 16, 2017, in Tampa, Florida. He was born on June 13, 1960, in Queens, New York, and had moved to Tampa from Cornwall, New York, nine years prior. Downey was a well-loved member of his community, known for his magnetic personality and infectious laugh. He was actively involved in his neighborhood, serving as the president of the Homeowners Association at the Westshore Yacht Club.
He was also a retired member of the Local 1 Elevator Operators Union and enjoyed various outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, golfing, and biking with his wife.
On the evening of September 16, 2017, Matthew Downey was shot and killed by his neighbor, Brian Baker, in the alley near their homes at the Westshore Yacht Club. According to reports, Downey and Baker had an altercation earlier that day at a tiki bar near the neighborhood marina. Both men were reportedly intoxicated at the time. The situation escalated when Baker, who was parked in his car, called out to Downey. As Downey approached, Baker shot him nine times. Downey's wife, Susan, witnessed the shooting and tried to stop the bleeding, but Downey succumbed to his injuries.
Brian Baker was arrested at the scene and charged with second-degree murder. During the trial, Baker's defense attorney argued that the shooting was in self-defense, claiming that Downey had approached Baker in a threatening manner. However, Susan Downey testified that she did not hear any aggressive behavior from her husband before the shooting. The trial revealed that both men had been drinking heavily, and the defense suggested that Downey's earlier physical altercation with Baker at the tiki bar contributed to the incident.
The case garnered significant attention due to the tragic nature of the event and the close-knit community in which it occurred. The trial was expected to last several days, with testimonies from various witnesses, including Susan Downey. The outcome of the trial and any subsequent legal actions were closely followed by the local community, as they sought justice for Matthew Downey's untimely death.
