Tampa man sentenced to 40 years for killing man during Craigslist sale

TAMPA, Fla. (TCD) -- A Florida man was sentenced to 40 years in prison on Friday, July 31, for killing a man he met to buy a motorbike advertised on Craigslist in 2017, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office announced on June 28 that Dontae Johnson was convicted of first-degree murder and armed robbery.

According to the State Attorney's Office, the victim and his son advertised Kawasaki bike on Craigslist and were contacted by Johnson and his friend Ramontrae Williams to buy it in January 2017.

The victim, who was identified as 44-year-old James Beck, reportedly agreed to sell it to the two friends for $1,200.

The State Attorney's Office said Beck and his 15-year-old son drove from their home in Holiday, Florida, to an agreed-upon location to sell Johnson and Williams the bike.

When they all met up, according to the statement, Johnson and Williams asked to test drive the bike.

Beck reportedly said he wanted the money before he gave them the bike. Williams and Johnson reportedly handed over less than the $1,200, and Beck handed the money back.

According to the statement, Johnson reportedly pulled out a gun. Beck then told his son to run back to their truck.

As Beck went back toward the truck, Johnson reportedly shot him multiple times. Beck died from his his injuries.

Williams reportedly drove off on the bike.

According to WTVT-TV, Williams agreed to plead guilty and testify against Johnson during the trial in exchange for a second-degree murder charge. Williams received a 12-year sentence and 10 years of probation.

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