Nine-time felon sentenced to life in prison after murder conviction - second murder case pending
CCSO mugshot of Barnes.
Citrus County, Florida - On April 6, 2023, 35 year-old Demare Tavis Barnes, II, of Crystal River was sentenced by the Honorable Judge Fritton to serve a mandatory life sentence with the Florida Department of Corrections as the result of a second-degree murder conviction.
"Barnes is no stranger to violence, and his extensive criminal history clearly indicates he is a danger to any community he's in," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "Knowing this, Judge Fritton reasonably agreed Barnes could no longer pose a deadly risk to citizens if behind bars. This mandatory life sentence could not have been handed down without the remarkable partnership between our office and that of the State Attorney's Office."
In December 2020, while in custody at the Citrus County Detention Facility, Barnes became involved in a violent physical altercation with fellow inmate, Wayne Washer. During this altercation, Barnes battered Mr. Washer, who died from injuries inflicted by Barnes. After an investigation, Barnes was arrested for the murder of Mr. Washer.
In October 2020, Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) officials arrested Barnes on attempted murder charges stemming from a shooting that occurred during the early morning hours of October 6, 2020, at the Circle K convenience store located at 7985 North Citrus Ave. in Crystal River, Florida.
The murder was committed just five days after Barnes had been released from prison on charges that included narcotics offenses and fleeing from law enforcement and placing Barnes into custody at the Citrus County Detention Facility just weeks after he was released from prison.
The October 2020 attempted murder case is still pending prosecution.