In a tragic conclusion to a case that shook Tampa, five men were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole Wednesday for their roles in a 2021 drive-by shooting that killed a 4-year-old girl.
Zvante Sampson, Quandarious Hammond, Jaylin Bedward, Andrew Thompson, and James Denson were all convicted on Sept. 16 of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and other charges. Prosecutors relied on Florida’s principal theory, which holds accomplices equally responsible for crimes committed by co-conspirators.
Before sentencing, family members were given the opportunity to address the defendants directly. Suni’s grandmother, Drial Harrison, spoke of the lasting pain caused by “senseless gun violence,” saying, “This hurts deep. It’s not something you can put a Band-Aid on and heal from.” Despite her anger, Harrison said she would pray for the men, reflecting the profound grief left in the wake of her granddaughter’s death.
John Young, Suni’s uncle, delivered an emotional plea urging young men to reject violence and seek positive paths through education, trades, or military service. “Put these damn guns down,” he said. “You’re destroying families, brothers. Once that bullet comes out of that chamber, you cannot bring it back.”
The sentencing brings closure to one of Tampa’s most heartbreaking cases in recent years, though the loss of young Suni remains a permanent scar on her family and community.
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