A Lake County grand jury has indicted 43-year-old Matthew Pasco for first-degree murder following a fatal shooting that occurred during a dog attack in Leesburg.
On April 19, 2026, Leesburg police responded to a call regarding multiple dogs attacking a woman near a homeless encampment on Griffin Road. While Pasco initially appeared to be intervening to stop the dogs, the situation escalated into a fatal confrontation with the dogs’ owner, 36-year-old Shawn Cyriacks.
According to witness accounts and police reports, Pasco stated he intended to kill the animals.
When Cyriacks attempted to intervene to protect his dogs, Pasco allegedly issued a direct threat that Cyriacks would lose his life if he stepped in. Witnesses reported seeing Pasco carrying a firearm equipped with a laser sight.
During the argument, Cyriacks told Pasco he was not allowed to shoot the dogs. Pasco reportedly responded, “You think I won’t shoot you?” before firing a single shot into Cyriacks’ chest. Police investigators noted that the victim made no physical threats toward Pasco prior to the shooting.
READ: 14-Year-Old Lilly Conway Missing After Entering Blue Honda At Wesley Chapel Circle K
Pasco fled the scene following the incident but was later apprehended. The grand jury returned an indictment for Murder in the First Degree (Premeditated) and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.
The State Attorney’s Office of the Fifth Judicial Circuit stated it “will continue to ensure public safety by enforcing the criminal laws of the State of Florida and holding those who violate our laws accountable for their actions, while seeking justice on behalf of all victims.”
Pasco is currently held at the Lake County Detention Facility on a no-bond status. Assistant State Attorney Nicholas Camuccio is prosecuting the case.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox
