Former college football player fatally shot by father over a dog bite, police say

Otis Anderson Jr., a former University of Central Florida (UCF) running back, was fatally shot by his father on Monday evening after a verbal altercation between the two escalated, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said.

The fatal confrontation reportedly happened at their home in Northwest Jacksonville. And per the police report, Anderson Jr.’s mother, Denise Anderson, told police the argument between her son and her husband Otis Lee Anderson Sr. started after a dog belonging to her deceased son’s girlfriend bit Anderson Sr., First Coast News reported.

Denise said Anderson Sr. started bleeding following the dog bite, and that angered him. She added that a verbal altercation between father and son ensued after Anderson Jr., 23, came downstairs to check what had happened.

The report also stated that it later appeared the confrontation was going to get physical, but the two separated. Denise said Anderson Sr. subsequently headed towards the garage while Anderson Jr. went towards another area in the home.

Denise told police she later met her son in the kitchen before later hearing “pow” and “you shot me!” She said she then started striking her husband with a floor cleaning device before he opened fire again.

Denise also said the altercation escalated after she was involved, ESPN reported. Officers who responded to the scene found Anderson Jr. with at least a gunshot wound to the chest. He was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. Denise also sustained multiple graze wounds, and she was taken to a hospital for treatment. She was later discharged.

Anderson Sr. is being held without bond on first-degree and attempted first-degree murder charges. The accused made his first court appearance on Tuesday. He was spotted wearing a red jumpsuit, First Coast News reported. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office told the news outlet red jumpsuits signify “possible self-harm, high escape risk, or medical transport.”

Meanwhile, UCF released a statement saying they were “devastated” to hear of Anderson Jr.’s death. “He was revered by his teammates, our fans, and everyone within Knight Nation. Our deepest condolences go out to everyone who loved Otis. He was taken too soon and will truly be missed,” the statement added.

Anderson Jr. partook in training camp with the Los Angeles Rams this year, per ESPN. In a statement, the NFL team said “he was a promising young man with a bright future. Our sincere condolences are with his family during this very difficult time.”