Tragedy struck as a five-year-old girl lost her life and her eight-year-old brother fights for survival after their father reportedly shot them in the head following their mother’s goodnight kiss.
Jermaine Lavanda Bass, 30, the suspect, was arrested in Tampa, Florida and charged with first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, and aggravated child abuse for the devastating incident on August 29, where he claimed the shootings were accidental.
On the night of the incident, the children’s mother went to their bunk beds to kiss them goodnight. After kissing her daughter, she heard multiple shots as she rushed out of the room to the bathroom, only to realize the shots came from inside their home at the Armeture Gate Townhomes.
Upon rushing outside for safety, she met a neighbor calling 911, while her husband emerged carrying their wounded son, urgently seeking help. Subsequently, Bass allegedly claimed it was an accident and urged for help.
Later, it was discovered that the daughter was also shot and both children were rushed to Tampa General Hospital. Sadly, the girl did not survive while her brother fights for his life.
The sheriff expressed deep sadness and called for justice, emphasizing that such a tragic event should never occur, leaving both parents devastated and shaking the law enforcement and first responders involved.
