Miami Beach Murder: 50-Year Sentence

Fifty years in Florida State Prison is the sentence handed down to Tamarius Davis on Thursday. The 27-year-old man was convicted of second-degree murder in 2021.

Judge Laura Stuzin of Miami-Dade County pronounced the ruling after a period of emotional testimony from the victim's family. The judge described the case as one of the most difficult she or any other judge would have to consider. Stuzin stated she aimed to impose a sentence that punishes while leaving room for small hope. Davis will serve the 50 years on count one with a 25-year minimum mandatory period. He will serve 30 years on count two and five years on count three. All sentences will run concurrently. He will also serve 20 years of probation after his release from prison.

The killing occurred in 2021 when Davis approached Dustin Wakefield, his wife, and their young son at lunch on Miami Beach. Davis pointed a gun at the infant. Wakefield, then 21, stepped in front of the weapon. Davis fired five times, killing Wakefield.

State prosecutors had sought a life sentence for Davis. His defense attorneys had argued for a term of no more than 25 years. The final ruling landed between those two positions. Davis' attorney is expected to speak later on Thursday.

The sentencing concludes the legal process for the 2021 shooting on South Beach. Davis will begin serving his time in the state prison system immediately.