Man Changes Plea To Guilty For Killing Person On Valrico Basketball Court

VALRICO, FL — A defendant who shot and killed a man on a Valrico basketball court in 2010 changed his plea to guilty in a Tampa courtroom Tuesday afternoon, according to the U.S. State Attorney's Office.

Eighty-year-old Trevor Dooley got into an argument with the victim, David James, about a teenager on a skateboard and then shot and killed him Sept. 26, 2010, investigators said. James had recently retired from the military preceding his death.

“David devoted his life to establishing justice and liberty for all by sacrificing his own liberties—only to have his life and liberty taken from him as he finally got a chance to pursue his own happiness and the happiness of his family,” James’ widow, Kanina Eurez, said tearfully in court.

Judge Michael Williams convicted Dooley of manslaughter with a weapon and sentenced him to three years of probation, supervised by the Florida Department of Corrections, State Attorney's Office said. Dooley’s attorney has previously told the judge his client is ailing and facing numerous health issues. Dooley will be prohibited from ever owning a gun again.

Dooley has been under court supervision with limited freedom, unable to travel without permission following the killing. In 2012, a jury convicted Dooley of manslaughter, and Judge Ashley Moody sentenced him to eight years in prison followed by 10 years of probation. Dooley appealed his conviction and served more than two years in prison before he was permitted to bond out of prison while his appeal was reviewed.