Dexter Bell, 21, was sentenced to 35 years in prison last week for the shooting death of 16-year-old Torie McDuffie. McDuffie was killed three years ago on a corner in a neighborhood near Clair Mel when two cars drove by, guns firing from both. Bell had been convicted of second-degree murder and attempted murder for his role.

Those in the cars were targeting a group of people who had thrown cinder blocks at one of their cars. McDuffie, an honors student at Blake High School, was not the instigator of the conflict and had just walked to the corner when he was struck in the head by a bullet.

Bell later went to Tampa General Hospital because he was shot in the hand. Prosecutors did not have enough evidence to charge any of the other shooters with a crime, although they believe they know their identities.

During the trial, prosecutors couldn’t prove Bell fired the fatal shot, but showed that he participated in the group shooting. He pointed a gun out the window and shot it. The  jury found him guilty of second-degree murder and attempted murder.

At sentencing, the defense asked for the minimum sentence, 20 years. The prosecution asked for life. Ultimately, the judge sentenced Bell to 35 years in prison followed by 15 years of probation.

Prosecutors had previously offered Bell a plea deal of 20 years. Bell turned that offer down.

Felonies, Violent Crimes

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