Deondre Smith (TPD) TAMPA, Fla. - A Hillsborough County jury found 16-year-old Deondre Smith guilty of attempted second-degree murder for a shooti
TAMPA, Fla. – A Hillsborough County jury found 16-year-old Deondre Smith guilty of attempted second-degree murder for a shooting that occurred last year in a crowded game room at the Boulevard At West River Apartments.
The State Attorney’s Office Gun Violence Unit successfully prosecuted the case, presenting surveillance video that captured Smith firing multiple rounds and injuring two of his friends.
Despite Smith’s claim that he was shooting at an unknown person entering the game room, the jury ultimately determined his guilt.
Related VIDEO: Tampa Teen Arrested After Opening Gunfire, Shooting 2 At Apartment Game Room
“This guilty verdict sends a strong message to the residents of Hillsborough County that teen gun violence will not be tolerated under my watch. Committing an act of gun violence, regardless of your age, is a choice that imperils our community, and we must stand together to say enough is enough.,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez.
Smith faces up to life in prison and will be sentenced in September.
Assistant State Attorneys Timothy Byrnes and Nathan Watters, along with the Tampa Police Department, were instrumental in securing this conviction.
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