The jury in Hillsborough County, Florida, spent almost two full days deliberating before reaching a decision in the case of five men accused of the tragic shooting of 4-year-old Suni Bell.
In the end, the jurors found all five defendants guilty of all of the charges against them.
In August of 2021, the little girl was was riding in the back seat of her family car as they drove down Hillsborough Avenue.
Shots were fired into the car, killing the child. Tampa Police called it a senseless act of violence.
The defendants — Zvante Sampson, Jaylin Bedward, James Denson, Quandarious Hammond, and Andrew Thompson — faced charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and firing into a vehicle.
Early Wednesday, jurors came back with three questions for Judge Robin Fuson.
The judge reading the questions in court, while the jury waited in their deliberation room for answers.
The first question indicating the jury was nearly set with their decision.
During deliberations, the jury inquired about the requirement for unanimity in their decision on each charge. Fuson questioned whether a split decision, such as 11 jurors favoring first-degree murder and one opting for second-degree, would result in a lesser charge.
However, it would take several more hours for a verdict to be announced.
By late afternoon, around 4:00 p.m., the jury’s verdict was announced, finding each defendant guilty of all charges, including the most serious one of first-degree murder.
Suni Bell’s mother thanked State Attorney’s and the jury for their work.
“I don’t wish bad on anyone,” Mary Harrison said. “I’m just glad I got justice for my baby.”
Hillsborough County State Attorney Suzy Lopez said it’s the verdict they’ve been waiting for.
Lopez expressed relief and gratitude for the justice achieved, saying, “Every day of this trial, and since Suni’s death, we’ve sought justice. Today we achieved it for her family, for her, and we appreciate the jury’s service.”
Fuson will pronounce sentences for all five men on Oct. 27.
