All five defendants were found guilty in the murder of Central Florida 4-year-old Suni Bell.
A Hillsborough County jury recently found all five defendants guilty in the tragic shooting death of 4-year-old Suni Bell. Quandarious Hammond, Zvante Sampson, Jaylin Bedward, Andrew Thompson, and James Denson were each convicted of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and shooting at or within a vehicle.
In August 2021, Suni was in the backseat of the family’s silver Infiniti as they drove along Hillsborough Avenue in Tampa. Surveillance video at a nearby gas station captured the five defendants watching the vehicle before pursuing it in separate cars. Once they caught up to the Infiniti, dozens of gunshots were fired at the vehicle.
One of the bullets struck and killed Suni, while her mother and uncle escaped without physical injury.
Even though all five men did not fire a weapon, they can all be held equally as accountable for the murder under Florida’s principal theory of prosecution. Local prosecutors proved that each of the defendants played an active role in planning and carrying out this deadly ambush.
As a result, all five men will be held equally accountable for Suni’s death.
“Suni Bell should have just started third grade, laughing, learning, and enjoying all the things she loved. She lit up every room with her singing in church, her dancing, and her favorite LOL dolls. She was a protective big sister and a daughter who adored her parents. Nothing can erase this tragedy, but today’s verdict ensures that those responsible for this senseless murder will be held accountable. We are humbled to stand with the family in our pursuit for justice for Suni,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez.
Chief of Major Crimes John Terry, and Assistant State Attorneys Anna Ismer and Kathryn Bonti successfully prosecuted this case. Sentencing is set for October 27th. According to the State Attorney’s office, each defendant will receive a mandatory life prison sentence.
