Tampa Judge Sentences Jahmir Moore to 55 Years
The 17-year-old received a 55-year sentence for the 2024 murder of 14-year-old Jevario Buie in Hillsborough County.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Teens

A Tampa judge has sentenced 17-year-old Jahmir Moore to 55 years in prison for the murder of 14-year-old Jevario Buie. Moore was 15 at the time of the incident, which occurred near railroad tracks between Busch Boulevard and Rome Avenue.
Why it matters
The case highlights concerns regarding youth violence and safety for families in Tampa neighborhoods near high-traffic thoroughfares. Security details identified during the investigation underscore the role of digital evidence in local criminal proceedings.
Jahmir Moore received a 55-year prison sentence following his conviction for the first-degree murder of 14-year-old Jevario Buie. The sentencing concludes a legal process that began following Moore's arrest in December 2024 and his subsequent escape from a Hillsborough County juvenile center.
The players
Jahmir Moore
The convicted defendant who was 15 years old at the time of the offense and later escaped from a Hillsborough County detention facility.
Jevario Buie
The 14-year-old victim whose murder led to the criminal trial and sentencing of the defendant.
The details
Authorities linked Moore to the murder using surveillance footage that captured him with the victim prior to the shooting. Investigators also recovered social media messages written by Moore that contained specific details about the death that were not available to the public.
Timeline
April 2024: Police discovered the victim near railroad tracks off Busch Boulevard.
December 2024: Jahmir Moore was arrested following an escape from a juvenile detention center.
October 16, 2026: A judge sentenced Jahmir Moore to 55 years in prison.
The Home Front
This case reflects the ongoing scrutiny of juvenile justice and detention security within Hillsborough County. It serves as a reminder of the heightened focus on local community safety and the role of digital oversight in neighborhood security.
Families living near major transit corridors like Busch Boulevard should remain aware of local safety alerts. Parents are encouraged to maintain active conversations with their teens regarding digital footprints and the permanence of social media interactions.
The takeaway
The resolution of this case emphasizes the critical importance of monitoring youth online safety and understanding the legal consequences of violence. Families should emphasize the weight of digital communications as evidence in modern investigations.
Further reading
For more information on navigating youth safety and family resources in the city, visit the Teens section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WFLA.







