NORTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - A man who was convicted of second-degree murder in connection to a mass shooting outside a banquet hall in Northwest Miami-Dade was sentenced to life in prison.
On Sept. 29, Davonte Barnes was found guilty on three counts of second-degree murder and 20 counts of attempted second-degree murder for his involvement in a mass shooting that took place at the El Mula Banquet Hall on May 30, 2021. The 24-year-old was found not guilty of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder with a deadly weapon.
During the busy sentencing hearing on Friday for Barnes, who was found guilty of being the lookout, the defense requested a new trial, which was denied.
Family members of those who were killed at the banquet hall were also present and sat front and center for the sentencing hearing.
Two of the victims, Desmond Owens and Clayton Dillard III, died at the scene, and Shaniqua Peterson passed away at the hospital after fighting for her life.
Family members of the victims addressed Barnes directly in court.
“You killed them, all, and hurt all of them!” said Clayton Dillard II, Clayton’s father. “You, a domino, you the mastermind of all, you called. If you wouldn’t have called, it wouldn’t have happened. They’re going to tear your [expletive] up, inside and out, and I pray every day to your God, and all the other gods, that you, your family, die!”
Charlene Peterson, Shaniquua’s mother, was wearing a T-shirt with a picture of her daughter as she addressed Barnes.
“I want you to see this face. This was a beautiful young lady who had a 15-year-old son, who was struggling every day,” she said.
“I took my kids to the grave site to see their daddy. That ain’t where I want to take my kids; I don’t want to take my kids to no grave site,” said Yolanda Ventura, Owens’ wife.
Barnes apologized to the families during his court appearance.
“I just wanted to send my apologies to the families,” he said. “I’m truly sorry for what happened to your kids and your family members.”
Miami-Dade County State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle released a statement, which reads as follows, “Today, Davonte Barnes was sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty by a jury for his essential role in the May 30, 2021, El Mula Banquet Hall killings, which left 3 people dead and 20 people wounded. Though this is a step in obtaining justice for the families of Shaniqua Peterson, Desmond Owens, and Clayton Dillard III, and of the injured, nothing can erase the loss and pain of that night’s events. We hope this result will be the beginning of healing for them and the community.”
Families of the victims were seen hugging outside of the courtroom after Barnes was sentenced. It was a second of joy, they said, which will be followed by a lifetime left of mourning.
“I miss my son. I wouldn’t want you all to go through this,” said Dillard. “I grieve differently; I can’t focus. You took away a leader. You’re going to pay for this.”
Barnes’ attorney said they will be appealing the sentence immediately.
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