Florida Judge Tells Killers of 4-Year-Old Girl “This Is What You Earned” as Five Men Sentenced to Life for Deadly Drive-By Shooting
TAMPA, FLORIDA — A Florida judge delivered a life sentence without parole to five men convicted of killing 4-year-old Suni Bell during a drive-by shooting in Tampa, calling their actions a “hunt” that destroyed two families.
Andrew Thompson (26), James Denson (28), Jaylin Bedward (26), Quandarious Hammond (32), and Zvante Sampson (34) were found guilty in September of first-degree murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and firing into an occupied vehicle, according to the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office.
The group was sentenced Wednesday by Judge Robin Fuson, who told the defendants bluntly:
“You don’t get to do what you did and walk amongst us. Nobody put you in prison — you put yourselves there. This is what you earned.”
A 4-Year-Old’s Life Taken in a “Hunt”
The shooting occurred on August 22, 2021, as Suni Bell sat in the back seat of her family’s silver Infiniti with her mother and uncle on Hillsborough Avenue.
Three vehicles began following them — and moments later, a barrage of bullets erupted. Surveillance footage from multiple businesses captured the chaos, showing flashes of gunfire lighting up the street as around 40 shell casings were later recovered from the scene.
One bullet struck Suni, killing her instantly.
“They knew exactly what they were doing,” said Assistant State Attorney John Terry during trial. “They were targeting whoever was in that car — and sadly, it happened to be Suni Bell.”
Prosecutors: It Was a Coordinated Attack
Investigators determined that Hammond, Thompson, and Denson were the shooters, while Sampson and Bedward drove the pursuing cars.
Prosecutors described their pursuit as a “hunt” — a coordinated attempt to kill the occupants of the Infiniti. Even though investigators could not determine which gun fired the fatal round, the jury ruled that all five shared responsibility.
Defense attorneys argued the men were being convicted by association, but jurors rejected that argument after a two-week trial.
Judge: “There Are No Winners”
During sentencing, Judge Fuson called the case a “cautionary tale” about the consequences of reckless violence.
“You’ve destroyed two sets of families — both sides,” Fuson said. “Nobody wins. Everybody loses.”
Family’s Emotional Pleas in Court
The victim’s family members gave emotional impact statements, reflecting both grief and compassion.
Suni’s uncle urged the defendants to use their prison time to teach others about the cost of gun violence:
“Tell your friends to put these damn guns down. You’re destroying families and don’t even know what you’re doing.”
Her mother offered a message of forgiveness through tears:
“I know you probably didn’t mean to do it, but the outcome happened. My heart goes out to all y’all, and we’ll be praying for you.”
And Suni’s grandmother added a heart-wrenching truth:
“She was 4. She’s gone. Your families still get to visit you. We have to wait until judgment day to see my grandbaby.”
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