TAMPA, Fla. — A Hillsborough County grand jury has issued an indictment charging five people in connection with the shooting death of 4-year-old Suni Bell.
According to a press release, Zvante Sampson (30), Quandarious Hammond (28), Jaylin Bedward (22), James Denson (24) and Andrew Thompson (22) have all been taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force.
"Diligent work by Tampa Police patrol officers and homicide detectives created several breaks in the case," the Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office wrote.
Police say Bell died at the hospital on Aug. 22 after someone shot into the moving car she was riding in near the intersection of 43rd Street and Hillsborough Avenue. At the time, investigators said surveillance video showed a dark-colored car following behind the car Bell was in.
During the investigation, the Tampa Police Department went door-to-door distributing flyers asking for tips in the very same neighborhood where Bell was killed.
“We feel people in the community know what happened to Suni on Sunday night,” Tampa Police Maj. Mike Stout said at the time.
Since the shooting, there has been a vigil in Bell's memory, a march for peace and a reward of nearly $10,000 offered for information leading to an arrest.
“I just want justice for my daughter. That’s it,” Mary Harrison said in August. “I just want you guys to turn yourselves in. And get it over with.”
In the indictment, all five are accused of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and shooting into a vehicle. The Hillsborough State Attorney's Office adds that Hammond, Sampson, Thompson and Denson are accused of additional charges.
"Today’s indictment represents a significant step forward in the effort to hold Suni’s killers accountable and deliver justice for her and her family. Tampa Police and the Hillsborough State Attorney’s Office will continue their work to identify and prosecute everyone involved.
"This remains an ongoing, active criminal investigation; neither agency is able to provide further details at this time," a press release reads.
Detectives say there could be others involved in Bell's case and are asking for anyone with information to contact CrimeStoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-TIPS.