State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Damian Markist Anderson has been convicted of Manslaughter By Culpable Negligence With A Firearm and Possession Of Firearm By Minor. The crimes were committed on July 19, 2022, and investigated by Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. The sentencing hearing was held at the Manatee County Judicial Center on November 5, 2025.

The crimes carried a maximum possible sentence of 30 years in prison.

Following the presentation of victim impact statements and other evidence, the Court sentenced the defendant to 15 years in prison followed by 1 year of community control followed by 4 years of probation, with various conditions.

On July 19, 2022, the victim, Damarion “Poohman” Smalls, was at a friend’s house with the defendant and other teens. According to witnesses, the group was smoking marijuana and the defendant was in possession of a firearm. The defendant pulled the trigger and Smalls was struck in his head, resulting in his death.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Dickey Hough commented, “this was yet another avoidable teen death. This is a clear example of why teens and marijuana do not go together, why teens and guns do not go together, and how tragedy happens when they all come together. It is our hope that the Court’s sentence provides some measure of justice for the victim’s family and serves as a warning to the community of these dangers.”

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.