TAMPA, Fla. — Jermaine Bass will spend the rest of his life in prison after being found guilty of first-degree murder and attempted murder for killing his 5-year-old daughter and shooting his 8-year-old son.
A Tampa jury convicted Bass on Friday of shooting and killing his 5-year-old daughter Jaylah Bass, shooting his 8-year-old son in the head, in Tampa at the Armature Gate Townhomes in September 2022.
Watch: Jermaine Bass speaks to the court ahead of his sentencing
The 5-year-old was pronounced dead after she was taken to Tampa General Hospital. The 8-year-old survived the shooting.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies said that after arriving at the Bass’ home, they found Jermaine Jr. holding his son, bleeding, in his lap. When deputies went upstairs, they found Jaylah lying on top of a bunk bed.
Court documents reveal that Jaylah was shot multiple times in the head, while her brother had a gunshot wound to the left side of his head and a wound to his right pinky finger.
Marine veteran helping others after overcoming alcoholism and homelessness
“If I can do anything to help them get out of that pain and misery and suffering that they are going through, and if I can help them progress and move forward, that’s really all I want to do,” said Cameron Wright.
