Current:Home > NewsFather accused of trying to date his daughter, charged in shooting of her plus 3 more -TruePath Finance
Father accused of trying to date his daughter, charged in shooting of her plus 3 more
View
Date:2025-04-13 19:04:39
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! (8)
Related
- A Mississippi company is sentenced for mislabeling cheap seafood as premium local fish
- Youngest 2024 Olympians Hezly Rivera and Quincy Wilson strike a pose ahead of Olympics
- Pregnant Lala Kent Poses Completely Nude to Show Off Baby Bump
- Cucumber recall for listeria risk grows to other veggies in more states and stores
- Romantasy reigns on spicy BookTok: Recommendations from the internet’s favorite genre
- Home goods retailer Conn's files for bankruptcy, plans to close at least 70 stores
- NYC bus crashes into Burger King after driver apparently suffers a medical episode
- Locked out of town hall, 1st Black mayor of a small Alabama town returns to office
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- Daughter of Hall of Fame pitcher Dennis Eckersley on trial, accused of abandoning newborn in cold
Ranking
- Trump suggestion that Egypt, Jordan absorb Palestinians from Gaza draws rejections, confusion
- American Olympic officials' shameful behavior ignores doping truth, athletes' concerns
- Olympics meant to transcend global politics, but Israeli athletes already face dissent
- Netanyahu meets with Biden and Harris to narrow gaps on a Gaza war cease-fire deal
- Federal court filings allege official committed perjury in lawsuit tied to Louisiana grain terminal
- Crews search for missing worker after Phoenix, Arizona warehouse partial roof collapse
- Uvalde school police officer pleads not guilty to charges stemming from actions during 2022 shooting
- Olympic swimmers agree: 400 IM is a 'beast,' physically and mentally
Recommendation
Gen. Mark Milley's security detail and security clearance revoked, Pentagon says
Captivating drone footage shows whale enjoying feast of fish off New York coast
Man dies at 27 from heat exposure at a Georgia prison, lawsuit says
What Kourtney Kardashian Has Said About Son Mason Disick Living a More Private Life
Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
Zendaya's Wet Look at 2024 Paris Olympics Pre-Party Takes Home the Gold
10 to watch: USWNT star Naomi Girma represents best of America, on and off field
Allergic reaction sends Filipino gymnast to ER less than week before she competes