Current:Home > MarketsFather accused of trying to date his daughter, charged in shooting of her plus 3 more -VitalWealth Strategies
Father accused of trying to date his daughter, charged in shooting of her plus 3 more
View
Date:2025-04-12 02:49:10
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 [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.
veryGood! (67)
Related
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- Maine secretary of state who opted to keep Trump off primary ballot is facing threat of impeachment
- Kathy Griffin files for divorce ahead of her fourth wedding anniversary
- A 14-year-old boy is arrested on suspicion of killing parents, wounding sister in California attack
- Breaking debut in Olympics raises question: Are breakers artists or athletes?
- Buy the Gifts You Really Wanted With 87% Off Deals on Peter Thomas Roth, Tarte, Peace Out & More
- China to ease visa requirements for U.S. travelers in latest bid to boost tourism
- Separatist Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik vows to tear his country apart despite US warnings
- Meta donates $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund
- Watch as Florida firefighters, deputies save family's Christmas after wreck drowns gifts
Ranking
- Residents in Alaska capital clean up swamped homes after an ice dam burst and unleashed a flood
- AP PHOTOS: In Romania, hundreds dance in bear skins for festive ‘dancing bear festival’
- Kathy Griffin files for divorce ahead of her fourth wedding anniversary
- Maine’s deadliest shooting propels homicides to new high in the state
- Judge says Mexican ex-official tried to bribe inmates in a bid for new US drug trial
- 4 Social Security facts you should know in 2024
- 6.5 magnitude earthquake shakes part of Indonesia’s Papua region, no immediate reports of casualties
- Frank Thomas blasts 'irresponsible' Fox News after network mistakenly claimed he died
Recommendation
Jay Kanter, veteran Hollywood producer and Marlon Brando agent, dies at 97: Reports
What does Watch Night mean for Black Americans today? It dates back to the Emancipation Proclamation
Albania’s ex-Prime Minister Berisha put under house arrest while investigated for corruption
Kenny Albert takes on New Year's broadcasting twin bill of Seahawks, Kraken games
$73.5M beach replenishment project starts in January at Jersey Shore
Schrader runs for 128 yards and a TD as No. 9 Missouri beats No. 7 Ohio State 14-3 in Cotton Bowl
Trump’s lawyers say he may testify at January trial over defamation damages in sex abuse case
4 Social Security facts you should know in 2024