Ke’mani Hill : “Grand Jury Indicts Three for Murder, Including 13-Year-Old”

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Alachua County Spring Term Grand Jury has issued indictments in three murder cases, including a shocking first-degree murder charge against a 13-year-old girl.

James Tate: Shooting in Suburban Heights home on January 11, 2024

In the early hours of January 11, Gainesville Police Department (GPD) officers responded to a residence in Suburban Heights and discovered one man dead. A second victim managed to escape through a window after being shot at through a locked bedroom door, sustaining severe lacerations.

The investigation revealed that all three men involved were from Mississippi, with the suspect and the second victim being employed by the murder victim, identified as Marvin Miller. The suspect, James Thomas Tate, 29, was apprehended in Columbia County as he attempted to flee in the victim’s truck.

The Spring Term Grand Jury has indicted Tate for first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, grand theft of a motor vehicle, grand theft of a firearm, and aggravated fleeing and eluding.

Romanda Thompson: Beating death near Tom Petty Park on February 28, 2024

The lifeless body of Kelly Barnes was found behind a piece of machinery near Tom Petty Park on February 28. The victim displayed visible injuries, including bruises, swelling, and lacerations on his face and hands.

Investigations led to the arrest of Romanda Lacasey Thompson, 33, for the brutal attack on the victim at his campsite. Thompson allegedly dragged the victim behind heavy machinery, beating him to death in a horrific manner.

The Spring Term Grand Jury has indicted Thompson for first-degree murder.

Ke’mani Hill: Tiger Bay robbery and murder on April 19, 2024

On April 19, officers responded to Tiger Bay Apartments and found Wilber Perez deceased inside his vehicle. Witness statements implicated Ke’mani Narda Lee Hill, 13, in a planned robbery that turned fatal.

According to reports, Hill, along with co-defendant Zion Mykell James, 14, intended to rob the victim of marijuana. James allegedly initiated the theft using a deceptive “Cash App glitch,” which escalated into a tragic shooting by Hill.

The Spring Term Grand Jury has indicted Hill for first-degree murder, robbery with a firearm, shooting into a vehicle, possession of a firearm by a minor under 18, and conspiracy to commit robbery with a firearm.

The cases were presented by State Attorney Brian Kramer, Assistant State Attorney Daniel Ley, and Assistant State Attorney Glenn Bryan, with Judge Jonathan Ramsey presiding over the findings. Judge Ramsey has ordered all three defendants held without bail, with Hill to be transferred to the adult jail.