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State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that defendants, Carlos Herrera and Akeleis Dumbar, were sentenced on January 31, 2025, to life in prison after being convicted by a jury for Attempted 1^st Degree Murder with a Firearm; Discharging a Firearm from a Vehicle within 1,000 feet of a Person; Shooting at or Into an Occupied Vehicle; Shooting at or Into an Occupied Dwelling; and Aggravated Battery with a Firearm Causing Great Bodily Harm. Akeleis Dumbar was also convicted of Witness Tampering. 

The crimes were committed on November 23, 2022, and investigated by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.  The trial was held at the Sarasota County Courthouse on November 4, 2024, through November 14, 2024.

The crimes of Attempted 1^st Degree Murder with a Firearm, Witness Tampering, and Aggravated Battery with a Firearm causing Great Bodily harm carried a maximum possible sentence of Life in Prison. The other charges carried a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

The minimum mandatory sentences for Attempted 1^st Degree Murder with a Firearm and Aggravated Battery with a Firearm are 25 years to Life in Prison.

The State sought a sentencing enhancement of the penalty under Florida’s 10-20-Life, Florida Statute 775.087.

Sentencing occurred on January 31, 2025.

On November 23, 2022, Carlos Herrera and Akeleis Dumbar entered Jamari Williams’ neighborhood in the cover of night, through a broken resident’s gate, parked their car, and waited for Jamari Williams to come home. They laid in wait for more than 40 minutes until Williams returned home and parked his vehicle in front of his townhome. At that point, Herrera and Dumbar drove their vehicle next to Williams’ and unleashed gunfire into Williams’ vehicle and home. More than 17 rounds of bullets were fired into Williams’ body before Herrera and Dumbar fled the property. EMTs rushed Williams to the Sarasota Memorial Hospital where trauma surgeons operated to repair the damage inflicted upon him. Bullets dissected Williams’ liver, small bowel, and were lodged in his brain. Against all odds, Williams survived but remains paralyzed on his right side.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Megan Leaf commented, “The strength and resiliency of Jamari Williams and his family is unparalleled. While no amount of time will ever fully restore Mr. Williams, the jury’s verdict and Court’s sentence provided the justice he and his family deserved.”

If you have any questions or would like further information please contact Assistant State Attorney (ASA) in the Sarasota County office at 941-861-4400.

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced on 01/24/25 that Luke Terrence Politi was convicted after entering an open plea to the Court for the charges of Vehicular Homicide; Reckless Driving – Causing Serious Bodily Injury; and Reckless Driving – Causing Damage to Persons or Property.  The crimes were committed on 12/04/2020 and investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol. A jury trial was set to begin on November 11, 2024. Politi entered a plea to the charges just prior to jury selection. The sentencing hearing was held at the Manatee County Courthouse on January 22, 2025.

The crimes carry a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in the Department of Corrections and one year in the Manatee County Jail.

Politi was 17 years old at the time of the offense.

Politi was speeding down University Parkway with the three victim passengers in his Tesla vehicle when Politi lost control of the vehicle, drove into the grass, hit a culvert, went airborne several feet into the air and struck a light pole with significant force and speed causing the pole to snap in half. The car then rolled several times on the ground and came to its final resting place on the edge of a retention pond upside down on its roof. The backseat passengers, ages 15 and 16, were ejected from the vehicle and both received devastating injuries. The front seat passenger, 16 years of age, was killed as a result of this crash. Video surveillance footage from a nearby business captured the crash. Politi’s laboratory report showed there was alcohol in his system. The Tesla’s Event Data Recorder showed Politi’s speed to reach 126 miles per hour moments before the crash.

On the morning of jury trial in front of the Honorable Judge Whyte, Politi entered an open plea to the Court. During the sentencing hearing, the Court heard testimony from Politi, his family and friends, and a psychologist. The Court also heard testimony from the prosecution’s witnesses to include family and friends of the three victims. After consideration of all evidence and testimony, Judge Whyte rejected defense counsel’s request for a Downward Departure from the Sentencing Guidelines.  Judge Whyte also rejected defense counsel’s request for a Youthful Offender sentence and sentenced Politi to 155.175 months in the Department of Corrections followed by 24 months of Probation.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney, Annie Ebert commented, “After four years I am delighted that the two surviving victims, all three victims’ families and friends and their community were finally able to receive justice. It was heartwarming to see many family members and friends of all three victims come together and provide the Court with testimony and support each other during this difficult time. This outcome would not have been possible without law enforcement’s continued dedication and hard work. The two surviving victims and the deceased victim’s family now have closure to this horrific tragedy. “

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Assistant State Attorney Annie Ebert in the Manatee County office at 941-747-3077.