A jury found 25-year-old Central Florida man, Kristopher Chandler, guilty of first-degree murder in the shooting death of his neighbor. He was sentenced to life in prison after the jury deliberated for just over two hours.
The crime occurred on a dock in the Grand Hampton community in North Tampa in July of 2022. The 47-year-old victim was found dead with three gunshot wounds.
Jurors saw surveillance video that showed Chandler driving a vehicle in the area before and after the murder. Witnesses testified they saw a man who fit Chandler’s description holding a firearm at the scene after hearing gunshots. Police later found a gun at Chandler’s home along with the sweatshirt he was wearing that night spattered with blood. Chandler admitted on the stand to killing the victim but told the jury he did it in self-defense.
The medical examiner testified that the first gunshot wound did not kill the victim. Prosecutors argued that Chandler stood above the victim, firing off the second and third fatal shots into his back after the victim was already injured. Chandler did not call 911 for help or tell police about the incident. Jurors saw surveillance video of Chandler later that night walking in the neighborhood singing and smoking a cigarette.
“This victim, who was a beloved Little League baseball coach, was taken in a violent and senseless manner. This verdict delivers justice for his family. Our hearts remain with his loved ones as they navigate through the grieving process. I am proud of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners whose tireless work ensured this defendant will not be able to walk the streets again,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez.
A first-degree murder conviction carries a mandatory life sentence in prison. Assistant State Attorneys Scott Harmon and Nathan Watters successfully prosecuted this case.
