Tampa Father Shoots His Two Children, Killing One

Jermaine Lavanda Bass of Tampa, Florida has been arrested after he allegedly shot his two children, a 5-year-old daughter and his 8-year-old son. The 5-year-old child has died and the 8-year-old is reportedly fighting for his life.

The shooting occurred at just after 10:30 p.m. Monday evening at the Armature Gate Townhomes, in the 13000 block of Heritage Club Drive. The townhomes are north of the University of South Florida.

The children’s mother kissed them goodnight and then went to the restroom when gunshots rang out. She ran outside to find a neighbor who called 911 and took over the phone call and quickly identified the alleged shooter as her children’s father, 30-year-old Jermaine Bass. Bass then ran outside carrying his son and claiming the shootings were an accident, per WTSP. When deputies arrived on scene, they found Bass cradling the boy.

When deputies walked into the children’s bedroom, they found the girl laying in a “pool of blood,” according to Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. Both children had 3-4 gunshot wounds to the head. Both children were rushed to Tampa General Hospital. The girl was pronounced dead, while the boy is fighting for his life after surgery.

Bass has been charged with murder in the first-degree with a premeditated firearm, attempted murder in the first degree with a premeditated firearm, and aggravated child abuse. Bass was scheduled for arraignment Wednesday, but the appearance was waived.