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Sergeant from St. Petersburg killed in Georgia
By LEANORA MINAI © St. Petersburg Times, published November 28, 2000 An Army sergeant from St. Petersburg was fatally shot Saturday in a nightclub in Columbus, Ga. Jeff Lyda, spokesman for the 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, was shot during a "verbal dispute" at an adult entertainment club, said Columbus police Sgt. L. Bender. Lyda, 33, was shot three times by a patron who liked one of the dancers, said Larry Hamilton, owner of Cat Walk. "From what they're saying, it was a love triangle," said Hamilton. Hamilton wrestled the gun away from the shooter, whom police identified as 48-year-old Ricky Clark, a lumberyard employee. Clark was charged with murder, possession of a firearm during commission of a crime and carrying a deadly weapon at a public gathering. He is being held at the Muscogee County Jail. Lyda, father of two girls, 3 and 7 years old, joined the Army when he was 18. He dropped out of Boca Ciega High School but earned a high school equivalency certificate, said his mother, Katherine Keith. "I spoke to him Thursday night to wish him a happy Thanksgiving," she said. Friends and co-workers said Lyda worked three jobs in Columbus. After a full day as spokesman for the elite unit, he served meals at Golden Corral and drinks at Al Who's Place several days a week. "He had such drive and determination," said Pete Kontakos, manager at Golden Corral. "There's some people that when you hear of them passing, people get spiritual and say, "This is the right time.' But when I think of Jeff, I just have to shake my head because he had so much going for him." Lyda and Clark met at Al Who's Place, said Hamilton. It was there that Clark began leaving notes on Lyda's red Mustang, Hamilton said. Hamilton said Clark, who was in the club when Lyda walked in, went over to Lyda and said something. "There was never any arguments or nothing," Hamilton said. Lyda walked by Clark and talked with the dancers. An announcement was made for last call. "Next thing I knew, I hear, "Pop! Pop! Pop!' " Hamilton said. Police declined to discuss the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Lyda's mother said her son was shot in the back, shoulder and chest. "He was a very gentle caring person. He was a very devoted father," she said. Monica Manganaro, Fort Benning spokeswoman, said Lyda was dependable and had a warm sense of humor. "He's the kind of guy who was full of life," she said. - Times researcher Cathy Wos contributed to this story.
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