Police, State Attorney Announce Arrests In 4-Year-Old's Death

Tampa FL

01 October, 2021

5:27 PM

Description

TAMPA, FL — Five men have been arrested after being accused of taking part in the Aug. 22 fatal shooting of 4-year-old Suni Bell of Tampa. On Thursday a Hillsborough County grand jury returned an indictment charging the five men with first-degree murder. Zvante Sampson, 30 years old; Quandarious Hammond, 28 years old; Jaylin Bedward, 22 years old; James Denson, 24 years old; and Andrew Thompson, 22 years old, have been taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force. The indictment accuses all five men of felony fifirst-degree murder for killing Suni, attempted first-degree murder on a different victim in the same case, conspiracy to commit murder and shooting into a vehicle. Additionally, the indictment accuses Hammond and Sampson of attempted murder on a third victim in the case, and Hammond, Thompson and Denson of discharging a firearm from a vehicle in public. Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren said Tampa patrol officers and homicide detectives made several breaks in the case, allowing prosecutors to present an indictment to the grand jury. An indictment is a formal accusation against a person suspected of a crime. Warren said the indictment represents a significant step in the effort to hold the little girl's killers accountable. Suni, who had just started prekindergarten, was killed by gunfire around 9 p.m. Aug. 22 while riding in the backseat of her family's car. The girl's mother, Mary Harrison, was driving west near the 4300 block of Hillsborough Avenue in East Tampa when an approaching vehicle opened fire on the car. Harrison lost control and crashed into a TECO power pole. When she turned around to check on her daughter, she discovered the little girl had been struck by a bullet. Suni was rushed to the hospital where she died. Tampa police detectives believe there are others involved in the case and are seeking information from the public. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-TIPS. See related story: Family, Police Take To Streets For Tips On Shooting Of 4-Year-Old