A Tampa man who wanted a “romantic relationship” with daughter, arrested after fatally shooting a woman and injuring two family members.
Jan 30, 12:00 AM
Michael Banks, 42, of Tampa, Florida, unleashed a violent rampage, leaving one woman dead and injuring his mother and 17-year-old daughter. Authorities revealed that the horrifying incident stemmed from Banks' disturbing attempt to pursue a romantic relationship with his own daughter.
On Wednesday, chaos erupted at the Banks family home as Michael Banks fatally shot his mother's friend, 52-year-old Josephine Muentes, and wounded both his mother and teenage daughter. The violence escalated when police responded to reports of gunfire, with Banks opening fire on the officers.
The unsettling motive behind Banks' rampage became apparent through a pre-trial detention motion filed by prosecutors. The document revealed that Banks turned to violence upon learning that his family intended to kick him out of the house due to his inappropriate pursuit of a romantic relationship with his own daughter.
According to the police report, Banks' daughter recounted the harrowing moments during the attack. She was in the shower when the gunshots rang out, and in a desperate attempt to escape, she tried to hold the bathroom door closed. However, Banks fired through the door, injuring her in the leg.
Banks admitted to authorities that he had written a letter to his daughter, urging her to be in a relationship with him. Feeling betrayed and upset after overhearing discussions about eviction, he loaded his muzzle-loading gun, a process that involved measuring gunpowder, pressing projectiles, and seating percussion caps. Subsequently, he fatally shot Muentes and his own mother grazed by a bullet, and managed to escape the house with the daughter, both seeking help from law enforcement.
When questioned, Banks confirmed his disturbing letter and faces charges including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and possession of a firearm. His prior criminal history includes a conviction for aggravated battery in 2007.
Banks is currently held without bond, awaiting a pre-trial detention hearing scheduled for Wednesday.
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On Wednesday, chaos erupted at the Banks family home as Michael Banks fatally shot his mother's friend, 52-year-old Josephine Muentes, and wounded both his mother and teenage daughter. The violence escalated when police responded to reports of gunfire, with Banks opening fire on the officers.
The unsettling motive behind Banks' rampage became apparent through a pre-trial detention motion filed by prosecutors. The document revealed that Banks turned to violence upon learning that his family intended to kick him out of the house due to his inappropriate pursuit of a romantic relationship with his own daughter.
According to the police report, Banks' daughter recounted the harrowing moments during the attack. She was in the shower when the gunshots rang out, and in a desperate attempt to escape, she tried to hold the bathroom door closed. However, Banks fired through the door, injuring her in the leg.
Banks admitted to authorities that he had written a letter to his daughter, urging her to be in a relationship with him. Feeling betrayed and upset after overhearing discussions about eviction, he loaded his muzzle-loading gun, a process that involved measuring gunpowder, pressing projectiles, and seating percussion caps. Subsequently, he fatally shot Muentes and his own mother grazed by a bullet, and managed to escape the house with the daughter, both seeking help from law enforcement.
When questioned, Banks confirmed his disturbing letter and faces charges including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and possession of a firearm. His prior criminal history includes a conviction for aggravated battery in 2007.
Banks is currently held without bond, awaiting a pre-trial detention hearing scheduled for Wednesday.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com