TAMPA, Fla. – Jermaine Bass will spend the rest of his life in prison after a jury found him guilty of first-degree premeditated murder, first-degree attempted premeditated murder, and aggravated child abuse. He was convicted of fatally shooting his 5-year-old daughter and severely injuring his 8-year-old son at their North Tampa townhome in 2022.
The trial, which spanned a week, presented jurors with harrowing evidence, including the 911 call made by the children’s mother immediately after the shooting.
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Body camera footage showed deputies arriving at the scene to find Bass cradling his 8-year-old son, who had been shot in the head. RELATED: Florida Dad Shoots Two Children, Killing 5-Year-Old, Critically Injures 8-Year-Old
Bass initially told deputies that the shooting was accidental, claiming he was attempting to remove the magazine from his firearm when it discharged.
However, deputies testified that Bass initially stated no one else was injured in the residence. Upon entering the upstairs area, they discovered Bass’s 5-year-old daughter deceased, having been shot in the head. Investigators found Bass’s firearm and five casings matching the handgun in the children’s bedroom.
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“This defendant was supposed to love and protect his children. Instead, he took his daughter’s life, and forever scarred his young son. He will spend the rest of his life in prison for this horrific act of violence,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez. “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 the case.
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