Jermaine L. Bass, 32, was sentenced to life in prison without parole on Monday (March 3) for the murder of his 5-year-old daughter, Jaylah Bass, and the attempted murder of his 8-year-old son. Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Judge Samantha L. Ward handed down the sentence, adding 25 years for the shooting of his son, who survived a gunshot wound to the head.
The tragic incident occurred on August 29, 2022, at the family’s home on Heritage Club Drive in Tampa. According to investigators, Bass fired “precise, deliberate shots” at both children’s heads with the intent to kill. However, Bass claimed in court that the shooting was accidental, stating, “I’m a good person. I always made sure my family had the best. I always strive for the best.”
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Shirley Bass, the children’s mother, emotionally addressed the court during the hearing, wearing a shirt bearing her daughter’s image. “Nothing compares to the joy of watching your children thrive. Yet, in an instant, everything changes,” she said. “How could he hurt them and put them in harm’s way, knowing he’s supposed to be their protector?”
The court heard that Shirley had returned home from work that night, kissed her sleeping children goodnight, and left to use the restroom when she heard gunshots. Fleeing the house, she found a neighbor who called 911. Deputies arrived to find Bass holding his injured son, who had been shot in the head.
The boy, though awake, had visible brain matter near his left ear, with the bullet still lodged in his skull. Upstairs, deputies discovered Jaylah in her bed with three gunshot wounds, including one “centered in the middle of her forehead.” A casing was found in the bedding, and an empty Glock 42 .380 caliber gun was retrieved from Bass’ bedroom.
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Bass told officers his gun “went off” accidentally while removing a magazine, but prosecutors dismissed his claims. State Attorney Suzy Lopez stated, “This defendant was supposed to love and protect his children. Instead, he took his daughter’s life and forever scarred his young son.
While the verdict will not bring back an innocent little girl, we hope it brings a measure of comfort for those who loved her and her brother.” The case has left the community in shock, with Bass now facing the consequences of what prosecutors described as a “horrific act of violence.”
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