After hearing testimony on May 20, a judge granted a defense request for bail for a man charged with shooting and injuring several people at a bar/restaurant within the city limits of Belleview in 2025.
Circuit Judge Steven Rogers set bond for Sammy Hill III at $210,000 following the hearing. As a condition of his bond, Hill cannot return to Tropical Vibes & Grill, must adhere to an 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew, and cannot possess alcohol, illegal substances, firearms or ammunition.
Hill has been at the Marion County Jail since his July 26 arrest. He is charged with attempted second-degree murder with a firearm, two counts of aggravated battery with a firearm, and shooting within a building.
The 25-year-old remained at the jail as of 9 a.m. May 21, records show.
Belleview Police Department officers said they were told Hill had accused a friend of stealing $600 from him and that the two went outside. There, Hill allegedly retrieved a firearm from a vehicle and fired shots at the individual.
Officers recovered 11 shell casings from the location. At least three people were injured in the shooting, police officials said.
The defense
Local defense lawyer Laurie Hall told the judge her client deserves a reasonable bond, does not have a criminal record, would be employed if released, and would abide by the court’s rules.
Hill’s sister testified for the defense, telling the court her brother would live with another sister and is not violent. She said she owns a cleaning business and that her brother would also work with her.
She told the court that another individual charged with third-degree murder with a firearm was given bond and said she believes her brother should receive bond. That person was identified as David Smith III, whose case is ongoing. Although he was granted bond, he cannot leave Marion County and must wear an electronic monitor, records indicate.
Assistant State Attorney Adam Smith asked the woman if her sister has any firearms at the residence and was told no.
Hill’s mother-in-law was next to testify. She told the court her son-in-law is a good person with two children.
A friend who works at a construction company told the court Hill is a hard worker. He said employees usually work in The Villages, where they are not allowed to have firearms on the job.
Closing arguments
During closing arguments, Smith told the judge to consider probable cause and showed video clips of the incident. One clip showed a man firing a gun at another man while they ran around a vehicle.
The prosecutor said that although Hill does not have a criminal record, his actions were dangerous and the shooting could have resulted in a mass casualty, with some bullets hitting patrons inside the establishment.
Hall said it could be argued the other person was reaching into his pocket and Hill may have been defending himself. She said Hill could be released under certain conditions. She also noted Smith was released on bond for his murder charge, with another judge having made that ruling.
Before making his decision, the judge said he is concerned about the shooting.
Hill’s next hearing is set for August. The lawyers told the judge they have more interviews to conduct.
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Bond set at $210K for suspect in 2025 Belleview shooting
Reporting by Austin L. Miller, Ocala Star-Banner / Ocala Star-Banner
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
