In Tampa, Florida, today marks a significant day in the pursuit of justice for 4-year-old Suni Bell, as five men convicted of her murder await sentencing. The men, Quandarious Hammond, Zvante Sampson, Jaylin Bedward, Andrew Thompson, and James Denson, were found guilty on September 17 of several charges including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and firing into a vehicle.

The State Attorney’s Office has confirmed that all five will face mandatory life sentences for the first-degree murder convictions. This case has gripped the community since August 2021, when the tragic incident occurred.

Suni Bell was just a child, innocently seated in the back of her family’s car, as they traveled along Hillsborough Avenue in Tampa. The horrific events unfolded when the defendants, captured on surveillance from a nearby gas station, were seen surveilling the family’s vehicle before giving chase in their own car.

Tragically, this pursuit ended in violence, as the men unleashed a barrage of gunfire upon the silver Infiniti carrying Suni and her family, leading to the unimaginable loss of a young life.

According to the Office of the State Attorney, video footage from a nearby gas station captured the five defendants watching the vehicle before pursuing it in a separate car. Once they caught up to the silver Infiniti, dozens of gunshots were fired at the vehicle.

One of the bullets struck and killed Suni Bell, while her mother and uncle escaped without physical injury.

“Suni Bell should have just started third grade, laughing, learning, and enjoying all the things she loved. She lit up every room with her singing in church, her dancing, and her favorite LOL dolls. She was a protective big sister and a daughter who adored her parents. Nothing can erase this tragedy, but today’s verdict ensures that those responsible for this senseless murder will be held accountable. We are humbled to stand with the family in our pursuit for justice for Suni,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez.

The Office of the State Attorney said even though not all five men fired a weapon, they can all be held accountable for the murder of Suni under Florida’s principal theory of prosecution.

Attorneys proved that each defendant played an active role in planning and carrying out the deadly ambush.