Current:Home > MyFather accused of trying to date his daughter, charged in shooting of her plus 3 more -GrowthSphere Strategies
Father accused of trying to date his daughter, charged in shooting of her plus 3 more
View
Date:2025-04-17 22:14:45
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! (751)
Related
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei dies after being set on fire by ex-boyfriend
- Orano USA to build a multibillion-dollar uranium enrichment facility in eastern Tennessee
- Behati Prinsloo's Sweet Photos of Her and Adam Levine's Kids Bring Back Memories
- Average rate on 30
- As obsession grows with UFOs on Earth, one group instead looks for aliens across galaxies
- Review: 'The Perfect Couple' is Netflix's dumbed-down 'White Lotus'
- Kylie Jenner Gives Nod to Her “King Kylie” Era With Blue Hair Transformation
- In ‘Nickel Boys,’ striving for a new way to see
- 'Bachelorette' Jenn Tran addresses finale debacle: 'My heart is heavy grieving'
Ranking
- Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
- Chelsea Lazkani's Husband Jeff Was Allegedly Caught Making Out With Another Woman Before Divorce
- Surfer Caroline Marks took off six months from pro tour. Now she's better than ever.
- Freshman classes provide glimpse of affirmative action ruling’s impact on colleges
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Marc Staal, Alex Goligoski announce retirements after 17 NHL seasons apiece
- Red Lobster says it will soon exit bankruptcy protection after judge approves seafood chain’s sale
- Former Mississippi teacher accused of threatening students and teachers
Recommendation
A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
Rare but deadly mosquito disease has New England hotspots warning against going out at night
Kansas City Chiefs superfan ChiefsAholic sent to prison for string of bank robberies
Commanders fire VP of content over offensive comments revealed in videos
'Squid Game' without subtitles? Duolingo, Netflix encourage fans to learn Korean
Suspect charged with murder in the fatal shooting of a deputy in Houston
Kansas City Chiefs superfan ChiefsAholic sent to prison for string of bank robberies
Louisiana legislators grill New Orleans DA for releasing people convicted of violent crimes