Current:Home > MyFather accused of trying to date his daughter, charged in shooting of her plus 3 more -Zenith Investment School
Father accused of trying to date his daughter, charged in shooting of her plus 3 more
View
Date:2025-04-24 15:53:30
A Florida man who police said shot three women last week at a home, killing one after allegedly admitting he wanted "a romantic relationship" with his own daughter, was indicted Thursday on multiple charges including first-degree murder.
Michael Banks, 42, is also accused of opening fire on police when they responded to the Jan. 17 triple shooting at a home about 8 miles north of downtown Tampa, the Tampa Police Department reported.
According to information from police and a six-page indictment filed Thursday, police were called to Banks' home for a report of a shooting and found his mother and 17-year-old daughter outside the home shot, asking for help.
Shortly after, police wrote in a news release, Banks allegedly opened fire on officers, "forcing them to return fire."
Although no gunfire struck the suspect, he was taken into custody after surrendering at the scene soon after, police said.
Banks' attorney, Maria Dunker, declined to comment on the case Thursday.
Georgia toddler dies:3-year-old dies after mother keeps her kids in freezing woods overnight, police say
Fatal shooting victim identified in court papers as Josephine Muentus
Hillsborough County Circuit Court papers identified the fatal shooting victim as 52-year-old Josephine Muentus.
USA TODAY is not naming the surviving shooting victims. No officers or civilians were injured in the shootout, police said.
“Our thoughts are with the family of the woman who is deceased and those injured in today’s tragedy,” police Chief Lee Bercaw released in a statement after the triple shooting.
'Leaving with the daughter'
Before the shooting, Banks reportedly wrote a letter to his teenage daughter saying she should "enter into a relationship with him and not date anyone else,” according to court documents obtained by the Tampa Bay Times and WFLA-TV.
Banks’ mother, age 60, said she and Muentes were discussing "forcing Banks to move out of the home" because he “was pursuing a romantic relationship with his daughter,” the outlets reported.
After the discussion, the Times reported, Banks' mother said she "heard a gunshot, turned around and saw Muentes fall to the floor as Banks stood over her holding his gun."
The woman said Banks then "shot at her, grazing her head, and she ran out of the house."
The documents, according the outlet, go onto show Banks' daughter was in the shower when she heard the gunfire, and Banks shot her in the leg as she ran out of the home.
Jailed without bond pending arraignment
Banks is charged with first-degree murder, three counts of attempted murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to his indictment, Banks was previously convicted of aggravated battery on a pregnant female on June 22, 2007, in Hillsborough County Circuit Court and was forbidden to possess a firearm.
He remained jailed without bond on Thursday, online records show.
Court records show Banks is set to be arraigned on the charges on Feb. 6.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.
veryGood! (3134)
Related
- US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated
- An Oregon judge enters the final order striking down a voter-approved gun control law
- What to know about the blowout on a Boeing 737 Max 9 jet and why most of the planes are grounded
- Don't Miss Out on J. Crew's Sale with up to 60% off Chic Basics & Timeless Staples
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- Los Angeles Times executive editor steps down after fraught tenure
- Former poison control specialist accused of poisoning his wife indicted on murder charges
- A legal battle is set to open at the top UN court over an allegation of Israeli genocide in Gaza
- How to watch new prequel series 'Dexter: Original Sin': Premiere date, cast, streaming
- Aaron Rodgers doesn't apologize for Jimmy Kimmel comments, blasts ESPN on 'The Pat McAfee Show'
Ranking
- Meta releases AI model to enhance Metaverse experience
- Mexican authorities investigate massacre after alleged attack by cartel drones and gunmen
- CDC probes charcuterie sampler sold at Sam's Club in salmonella outbreak
- USDA estimates 21 million kids will get summer food benefits through new program in 2024
- Gen. Mark Milley's security detail and security clearance revoked, Pentagon says
- NPR's 24 most anticipated video games of 2024
- DeSantis and Haley go head to head: How to watch the fifth Republican presidential debate
- USDA estimates 21 million kids will get summer food benefits through new program in 2024
Recommendation
Selena Gomez's "Weird Uncles" Steve Martin and Martin Short React to Her Engagement
Storms hit South with tornadoes, dump heavy snow in Midwest
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was hospitalized for infection related to surgery for prostate cancer, Pentagon says
'Baywatch' star Nicole Eggert reveals breast cancer diagnosis: 'Something I have to beat'
Google unveils a quantum chip. Could it help unlock the universe's deepest secrets?
Storms hit South with tornadoes, dump heavy snow in Midwest
Unsealing of documents related to decades of Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse of girls concludes
Migrant families begin leaving NYC hotels as first eviction notices kick in