A jury recently found a Central Florida man guilty of murder after shooting his own children. He shot and killed his 5-year-old daughter and badly injured his 8-year-old son at the family’s North Tampa townhome in 2022.
Defendant Jermaine Bass will spend the rest of his life in prison after the jury found him guilty of first-degree premeditated murder, first-degree attempted premeditated murder, and aggravated child abuse.
Jurors heard evidence including the 9-1-1 call the children’s mother made directly after the shooting. They watched body camera video of deputies arriving at the scene to find Bass cradling his 8-year-old son who he shot in the head. Bass told deputies he was attempting to remove the magazine from his firearm when it accidentally discharged.
Deputies testified that when they arrived on scene, Bass indicated that no one else was injured in the residence. They went upstairs to find Bass’ 5-year-old daughter shot in the head. In the children’s bedroom, investigators found Bass’ firearm and five casings that matched the handgun that belonged to the defendant.
“This defendant was supposed to love and protect his children. Instead, he took his daughter’s life, and forever scarred his young son,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez. “He will spend the rest of his life in prison for this horrific act of violence. While the verdict will not bring back an innocent little girl, we hope it brings a measure of comfort for those who loved her and her brother.”
Chief of Major Crimes John Terry and Assistant State Attorney Jessica Reder successfully prosecuted this case.
