A Florida man, aged 32, has been sentenced to life imprisonment without parole for the murder of his 5-year-old daughter and the attempted murder of his 8-year-old son. Jermaine L. Bass was handed down the sentence by Judge Samantha L. Ward of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit on Monday. In addition to the life sentence, Bass was also given an additional 25 years for shooting and injuring his son, JJ Bass, who miraculously survived a gunshot wound to the head.
During the sentencing hearing, several family members of the victims addressed the court, including the children’s mother, Shirley Bass. She expressed her grief and disbelief at her husband’s actions, questioning how he could harm their children, whom he was supposed to protect. Bass, who did not testify in his defense during the trial, claimed that his gun accidentally discharged, hitting his daughter three times and his son once. However, authorities stated that the shots were precise and deliberate.
The tragic incident occurred on the night of August 29, 2022. Authorities responded to a call regarding gunshots at the Bass family home. Shirley Bass had just returned from work and had bid her children goodnight. She was in the restroom when she heard the gunshots. Fearing for her life, she fled the house and encountered a neighbor who had also heard the shots and called 911.
When law enforcement arrived, they found Bass on a couch downstairs, holding his injured son. Bass claimed that the shooting was an accident, stating that his gun discharged while he was trying to remove the magazine. However, upon further investigation, deputies discovered the lifeless body of the 5-year-old girl in her bed on the top bunk, with three gunshot wounds to her head.
The investigation revealed that the boy had sustained a gunshot wound to the left side of his head, with the bullet lodged inside. Deputies also found four .380 caliber shell casings on the top bunk and a single casing on the lower bunk. A gray Glock 42 .380 caliber gun was found in the dresser of the primary bedroom, next to Bass’ wallet.
State Attorney Suzy Lopez expressed her dismay at the horrific act of violence, stating that Bass, who was supposed to love and protect his children, had instead taken his daughter’s life and forever scarred his young son. She added that while the verdict would not bring back the innocent little girl, it was hoped that it would bring some comfort to those who loved her and her brother.