CRIME
Florida Allegedly Tried To Seduce His Teen Daughter Before Shooting Spree
Tampa Police Department
A Florida man arrested in connection with a deadly shooting last week allegedly flew into a rage after his family objected to him trying to seduce his own 17-year-old daughter, per reports.
The Tampa Police Department responded to a report of a shooting on the 10000 block of 23rd Street on the afternoon of Jan. 17. Officers arrived to find two female victims leaving the home to seek assistance after being shot. A third female victim was pronounced dead inside the residence.
Michael Banks, 42, allegedly opened fire on responding officers. Officer Darren Gibson returned fire, missing Banks, who ultimately surrendered and was taken into custody.
According to prosecutors, Banks told police he penned a love letter to his 17-year-old daughter, “insisting that she enter into a relationship with him and not date anyone else.
Banks’ mother and her friend were at the residence discussing the matter, including whether to kick Banks out of the home, according to court documents reported by local Fox affiliate WTVT.
After overhearing their conversation, Banks allegedly got a revolver and returned to the kitchen, where he fatally shot his mother’s friend, then turned the gun on his mother, grazing her head. His daughter, who had been in the shower, heard the gunshots and told police she tried to push the bathroom door closed, but Banks shot through the door, at approximately head level, the Tampa Bay Times reported.
As the daughter fled, Banks allegedly shot at her again, striking her in the leg.
Banks’ mother called 911. Her deceased friend was identified as 52-year-old Josephine Muentes.
Banks was charged with one count of first-degree murder with a firearm, two counts of attempted first-degree murder with a firearm, one count of attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer with a firearm and one count of illegally possessing a firearm as a felon.
According to the Tampa Bay Times, Banks has a previous conviction for aggravated battery of a pregnant woman in 2007.
He is being held in Hillsborough County Jail without bond until a pre-trial detention hearing Wednesday.
TMX contributed to this article.
