Deondre Smith TAMPA, Fla. - A judge has sentenced 16-year-old Deondre Smith to 25 years in Florida State Prison after a jury found him guilty of
TAMPA, Fla. – A judge has sentenced 16-year-old Deondre Smith to 25 years in Florida State Prison after a jury found him guilty of attempted murder.
Smith was charged as an adult after surveillance footage showed him firing a gun at a person entering a crowded game room at the Boulevard West River apartments. The case, prosecuted by the Hillsborough State Attorney’s Gun Violence Unit, resulted in a guilty verdict in July.
Smith fired multiple rounds but missed his intended target, instead injuring one of his friends inside the game room.
During the investigation, Smith admitted he planned to shoot whoever walked through the door, unaware of who he was firing at.
Related: VIDEO: Tampa Teen Arrested After Opening Gunfire, Shooting 2 At Apartment Game Room
“Charging a juvenile as an adult is one of the toughest decisions a prosecutor can make. However, when you make an adult decision with a firearm and hurt someone, you will be held accountable. This lengthy sentence sends a strong message to teenagers who think their age protects them from the consequences of gun violence in Hillsborough County,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez.
Assistant State Attorneys Timothy Byrnes and Nathan Watters successfully prosecuted the case, with the Tampa Police Department serving as the investigating agency.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
