Dad Accused of Shooting 5-Year-Old and 8-Year-Old in the Head

The Hillsborough County father who was accused of shooting his two children, leaving one dead and the other in critical condition, is expected to make his first appearance in court on Monday.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday that Jermaine Lavanda Bass was arrested and charged with murder, attempted murder and aggravated child abuse after allegedly shooting his 5-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son.

“This case is not only tragic, but extremely disturbing,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said.

Chronister said the mother of the children was out for dinner Monday night and was “making every effort” she could to get home before the two children went to bed. He said she returned home and said goodnight to the kids, who shared a bunk bed.

After she kissed them goodnight, Chronister said she left them with Bass, her husband, and went to use the restroom. While in the restroom, she heard several gunshots, which she initially believed happened right outside their home.

Shortly after, Chronister said she realized they were “too close,” and she ran outside in fear of her own life. Outside the home, she came across a neighbor who also heard the shots and was already on the phone with 911.

Chronister said she took over the phone call, and at that time, Bass carried the 8-year-old victim outside and repeatedly said, “call for help.”

Deputies and first responders were at the scene a short time later. Chronister said they found Bass in the family room cradling the 8-year-old while he said, “it was an accident.”

First responders began to work on the 8-year-old boy and began to prepare him to be transferred to the hospital. At that time, Chronister said authorities asked if anyone else was in the home, and Bass said the 5-year-old was asleep in her bed.

Deputies went upstairs, where Chronister said they made the “gruesome” discovery of the young girl laying in a pool of blood in her bed with two to three gunshot wounds to the head.

Despite the father claiming the incident was an accident, authorities say it was an intentional crime.

 “There’s a 5-year-old laying in the top bunk, in a pool of her own blood. She is shot two to three times in her head,” Chronister said. “You don’t accidentally shoot your children three to four times in the head.”

Paramedics began life-saving measures on the 5-year-old and then rushed both of the children to Tampa General, where the 5-year-old was pronounced dead.

The 8-year-old boy is fighting for his life at the hospital after he underwent surgery Monday night.

Residents in the area said they heard sirens Monday night, but did not expect this outcome.

The sheriff said there had been no previous calls for service to the home. He added that Bass has no criminal history.

“To this mother who lost one child and could possibly lose a second, and whose marriage is over, our hearts go out to you,” the sheriff added.

Bass remains in custody at the Hillsborough County jail. He is scheduled to appear before at judge at 11 a.m. on Wednesday.

“I hope that this individual feels the full weight of the criminal justice system and never sees the light of day where he can be in a position to harm another human being,” Chronister said.