Jermaine Bass, a 30-year-old Florida father of two, is alleged to have shot his kids in the head as they slept in their bed after their mother had tucked them in. He has been accused with first-degree murder. The shooting occurred on Monday night, according to Hillsborough County police.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, obviously shaken by the gunshots, stated at a press conference the morning following the event that the entire situation was “not just terrible but incredibly frightening.”
The event occurred at 10:30 p.m., when the mom of the little children arrived home from Tampa, according to Chronister. Her husband Bass, her eight-year-old son, and her five-year-old daughter shared her home. She kissed the two youngsters goodnight as she tucked them into bed. Her 5-year-old kid giggles since she’s pretending to be sleeping, Chonister explained. The mom is then said to have left her kids with Bass while she went to the restroom.
Soon after, she heard gunshots and ran outdoors, terrified for her life. Her husband was cradling the injured eight-year-old son and ordered her to call for aid. The mom dialled 911, and the police arrived quickly to examine the crime scene. When the officials arrived at the house, they saw “the dad in the family room, clutching the 8-year-old boy, stating it was an accident,” according to the sheriff.
The crime occurred at Armature Gate Townhomes, and HCSO deputies arrived on the scene in less than 10 minutes.
Deputies walk upstairs only to make the terrible discovery of a 5-year-old laying in a pool of her own blood, Chronister continued. She gets shot two to three times in the head, much like her brother. The kids were brought to the hospital, where the young girl was declared dead and the boy is still struggling for his life.
She prays that this guy suffers the full force of the criminal justice system and never sees the light of day where he may ever hurt another human being, Chronister continued.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office tweeted about the event as well. When deputies arrived at the location, they discovered the two victims. Victim number two was discovered with critical injuries, while victim number one was discovered dead in her bed, the tweet stated.
Upon arriving at the scene, deputies located the two victims. Victim two was found with serious injuries and victim one was located deceased lying in her bed.
— HCSO (@HCSOSheriff) August 30, 2022
Bass has now been charged with first-degree attempted murder and severe child abuse in addition to the murder accusation. According to prison records, he was refused bond, and no details about his counsel has been released.
Child abuse is defined as the intentional infliction of physical or mental injury upon a child; an intentional act that could reasonably be expected to result in physical or mental injury to a child; or active inspiration of any individual to engage in a behavior that results or could reasonably be expected to result in physical or mental injury to a child, under Florida law.
Aggravated child abuse occurs when an individual commits aggravated battery on a child; purposefully tortures, maliciously punishes, or intentionally and wrongfully cases a kid; or consciously or voluntarily abuses a child and creates great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement to the child. Aggravated Child Abuse is a first-degree felony and is regarded one of the most heinous offences.
To report child abuse and assault, call the 24-hour toll-free hotline 1- (800-962-2873).
