TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Tampa, Florida, father who shot his two children in the head was sentenced to life in prison on Monday.
Jermaine Bass was found guilty of murder, attempted murder and aggravated child abuse last week in the 2022 incident, which left his 5-year-old daughter, Jaylah Bass, dead, and 8-year-old son critically injured.
Judge Samantha Ward heard victim impact statements from Jaylah’s family before she issued a sentence.
“It breaks my heart to know that she will never experience the joy of growing up,” said Shirley Bass, Jaylah’s mother. “No family should have to experience this kind of heartache. How could you take away the life of such an innocent, joyful, promising child?”
Jermaine Bass was stoic and showed no expression as family members shared the heartache they’ve endured since the night of horror unfolded two and a half years ago.
Deputies found Jaylah in her bunkbed lying in a pool of blood.
Prosecutors say she sustained three gunshot wounds in her cheek, temple and forehead.
Jermaine Bass also spoke in court for the first time since the trial began.
“I’m a good person,” Jermaine Bass said. “I hope that my family and her family find some type of peace, and I know it may be difficult because of the accident.”
However, Ward delivered a chilling response to his statement.
“The accident you’re referring to is the death of your children in that statement?” Ward asked. “That’s what you’re referring to as the accident?”
“Yes,” Bass confirmed.
Jermaine Bass’ 8-year-old son was also critically injured in the shooting.
According to prosecutors, a bullet is still lodged in his head. However, the young boy continues to make progress in school.
“He’s pushing through,” his family said during testimony.
Bass was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the first-degree murder charge and 75 years in prison for the other charges.