FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Erin Maloney, Communications Director
Office of the State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit
(813) 557-3366 | [email protected]
TAMPA, FL (February 27, 2025) — Defendant 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 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.
Over the last week, 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. 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,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez.
Chief of Major Crimes John Terry and Assistant State Attorney Jessica Reder successfully prosecuted this case.
State Attorney Lopez leads a team of talented prosecutors and professional staff who are responsible for all criminal prosecutions in the 13th Judicial Circuit. The State Attorney’s Office is committed to keeping the public informed about the outcomes of major court cases to ensure transparency and accountability. We believe it is of utmost importance for the public to understand how our justice system operates in order to build trust.