Man Sentenced to Life for Tropicana Plant Shooting and Kidnapping

Monday, a Manatee County judge sentenced Demitrius Bell to a mandatory life term in the Florida Department of Corrections following his conviction on multiple felony charges. Bell was found guilty in March of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault with a firearm, armed kidnapping, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The charges stemmed from a violent incident on June 5, 2023, at the Tropicana plant in Bradenton. Bell shot a coworker during a confrontation and then kidnapped another employee at gunpoint, holding her captive for nearly two days. His actions prompted a widespread search and heightened security measures throughout the area.

Bell managed to evade law enforcement for over ten months before being apprehended on April 15, 2024. The sentencing today closes a significant chapter in the case, which drew widespread attention due to the severity of the crimes and the prolonged manhunt.