A convicted killer learnt his punishment in court Thursday after attacking and killing a tourist on South Beach.
Tamarius, twenty-seven years old, was sentenced to 50 years in prison and 25 years probation following days of emotional testimony from the victim’s family.
The judge described it as one of the most difficult instances she or any other judge would have to examine before issuing the sentence a few moments later.
“I have tried my best to impose a sentence which punishes, but also allows for some hope, even though it may be small. Mr. Davis, please stand. I am sentencing you to 50 years in Florida State Prison, specifically as to count one, 50 years state prison with a 25 year minimum mandatory, followed by 20 years of probation. Count two, 30 years state prison with a 20 year minimum mandatory. Count three, five years state prison, you are to receive credits unserved,” said Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Laura Stuzin.
State prosecutors anticipated Davis would be sentenced to life in prison, but his defence team hoped for no more than 25 years, which is far less than what he received.
Judge Stuzin acknowledged that Davis was under the influence at the time of the shooting and had no prior criminal record, but she said he had something dark inside him that he never sought help for.
She also addressed the victim’s family’s request for life in prison.
“Each and every one of you said that anything less than a life sentence was not justice, and yet you all understand that nothing will bring your son back,” Stuzin said.
Dustin Wakefield, 21, was murdered in the second degree in 2021, and the sentence reflects that. According to investigators, Davis approached Wakefield, his wife, and their small boy while they were having lunch on Miami Beach and pointed a gun at Wakefield’s kid. Wakefield moved in front of that gun, and Davis fatally shot him five times.
In court on Thursday, Stuzin also addressed the defendant’s family, stating that they had also lost a son.
“In a way, you also lost your son in August 2021 because you saw a person, a monster that you did not recognise, commit a horrific and evil act,” the court stated.
Following the sentence, Davis’ counsel stated that the matter will never end happily.
“This was not going to end well for anyone,” stated Attorney Juan Mourin.
As she exited the courtroom, Dustin’s mother, Lora Wakefield, left a sorrowful note for the victim’s family.
“Keep calm, and Dustin on,” she said.
All of Davis’ sentences will be served consecutively.
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