TAMPA, Fla. – A jury today found 25-year-old Kristopher Chandler guilty of first-degree murder in the 2022 shooting death of his neighbor, a beloved youth baseball coach. Chandler received a mandatory life sentence after the jury deliberated for just over two hours.
The crime occurred in July 2022 on a dock in North Tampa’s Grand Hampton community. The 47-year-old victim was found with three fatal gunshot wounds.
During the trial, prosecutors presented compelling evidence against Chandler. Jurors saw surveillance video placing Chandler’s vehicle in the area before and after the murder.
READ: Florida Supreme Court Upholds Death Sentences For Steven Lorenzo In Grisly 2003 Tampa Murders
Witnesses testified to seeing a man matching Chandler’s description holding a firearm at the scene after gunshots erupted. A subsequent search of Chandler’s home uncovered the murder weapon and a blood-spattered sweatshirt he wore that night.
Chandler took the stand in his own defense, admitting to the killing but claiming it was in self-defense. However, this claim was directly contradicted by the medical examiner’s testimony, which indicated the initial gunshot wound was not fatal.
Prosecutors argued that Chandler fired the second and third fatal shots into the victim’s back while he was already injured. Furthermore, surveillance video from later that night showed Chandler walking in the neighborhood, singing and smoking a cigarette; he never called 911 or reported the incident to the police.
READ: Tampa Police Launch Death Investigation After Man’s Body Found
“This victim, who was a beloved Little League baseball coach, was taken in a violent and senseless manner. This verdict delivers justice for his family,” State Attorney Suzy Lopez said. “Our hearts remain with his loved ones as they navigate through the grieving process. I’m proud of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners whose tireless work ensured this defendant won’t be able to walk the streets again.”
A first-degree murder conviction in Florida carries a mandatory life prison sentence. Assistant State Attorneys Scott Harmon and Nathan Watters successfully prosecuted the case.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
